S14 ignition problems

[Zachsta]

So my car starts, but it take a while to actually get started.

I'll turn the key, nothing. turn it again, nothing. Turn it again, it might work, sometimes not. And when it does work, I have to turn it so hard I'm scared
the keys gonna break.

What can this be?

I've narrowed it down to:

Loose wire to starter.
Bad Ignition
Bad Starter


Anyone else have any hunches?

[ILoveMyRHS13]

It doesn't crank, or actually fire? Does it just click? Are the battery terminals loose?

[DALAZ_68]

wait...u have to turn it so hard it might break the key? so ur key cylinder is seizing up?

[mazersx]

I have the same problem!! HELP!!

[Zachsta]

I can turn it all the way as if it was gonna turn on. Doesn't seize up or anything, it's just if I want the chance of it starting I have to turn it harder then normal.

No clicking, all dash lights turn on, stereo works, ac works. Just no crank or anything.


It's really confusing me.

Opinions?

[ILoveMyRHS13]

Does it at least TRY? I have the same issues sometimes. I need to give it gas when I start it. Put the key in the "on" position and let the fuel pump prime then try. All plugs, wires, distro, cap, good?

[DALAZ_68]

it could be that u just need a new ignition cylinder...search that, it might come up with something... it might be that the signal wire are to far apart... in other words u turn it normal, but the signal wire (or what ever it is) might have been pushed back by excessive force...so it takes that extra degree of turn to make it catch signal...

[Zachsta]

Does it at least TRY? I have the same issues sometimes. I need to give it gas when I start it. Put the key in the "on" position and let the fuel pump prime then try. All plugs, wires, distro, cap, good?

Nope, it doesn't crank, fuel pump doesn't prime, nothin'. Just all lights turn on and that's all it does. I've left it in that position then tried, tried pumping the gas, nothing.

it could be that u just need a new ignition cylinder...search that, it might come up with something... it might be that the signal wire are to far apart... in other words u turn it normal, but the signal wire (or what ever it is) might have been pushed back by excessive force...so it takes that extra degree of turn to make it catch signal...

I was thinking it might be a wire too, but it doesn't start everytime I push that hard.

[acoello]

sounds like it could also be a lock cylinder.Ive replaced binding ones on other cars before.

[Zachsta]

Do I replace the whole ignition key assembly to replace that?

[DALAZ_68]

I was thinking it might be a wire too, but it doesn't start everytime I push that hard.

sounds like it could also be a lock cylinder.Ive replaced binding ones on other cars before.

Do I replace the whole ignition key assembly to replace that?

pretty much...the bolts that hold the cylinder in place are wierd, no head to grip to (atleast all the s14's ive parted out were like that) so u either

-replace the entire column that has new ign on it

-tap drill out the bolts holding the assembly

-i might be over thinking it...

998 Key Set & Blank Key :: Miscellaneous :: Genuine Nissan Parts :: 240SX Parts (S14) 1995-1998 :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com (http://www.courtesyparts.com/240sx-parts-s14-1995-1998/genuine-nissan-parts/miscellaneous/998-key-set-blank-key/-c-3690_3691_3849_3857.html)

^ hopefully that helps...

[Zachsta]

SO pretty much this is going to be a bigger pain in the ass then I thought.... Ughhh.

[essforteen]

SO pretty much this is going to be a bigger pain in the ass then I thought.... Ughhh.

So basically you are turning the key and nothing happens which leads you
to turn the key more than whats normally necessary to get it to crank??

If so its your Ignition key assembly thing
the bolts used from the factory are these special snap off bolts where the head snaps off when the appropriate
torque is reached. you can get these from nissan or use some other bolts that
fit! but to remove you just drill out the head untill its all gone. use vice grips
to remove the rest once you separated it from the steering column.
Not really that hard and find a locksmith that can rekey the new ignition for
your old key!

[Zachsta]

Basically, it's really hard to start because it never seems to catch the signal to start.

[DALAZ_68]

pretty much^, if it was a starter issue, ud hear a click click, which after a hit with some thing would sometimes cause it to engage,

you sound like ur having straight issues with ur cylinder...

[brian3676]

Yeah bad ignition switch or relay

[DALAZ_68]

if its an ign relay, im pretty sure i have a few of those lying around


i feel like an ass hat...ive had 2 s14 complete columns, all in the trash... sigh