Car won't start with key

[g81981]

I tried to start my car with my key and it wouldn't start. The starter doesn't seem to do anything when the key is turned on. The car just makes a click sound when I'm trying to start the car. I tested the starter with a power source, it still works. I did a push start and the car starts and runs. I'm assuming that it's a wire harness problem. I thoroughly checked the wire harness for any open lines/bad wiring and it seems fine. What's wiered is that when I take out the key, the instrument cluster stays on as if the key is in the on position. I checked the fuses in driver's side footpanel and engine bay and did not find any blown. What's puzzling is that when I place the fuse tester on the reverse lamp fuse in the driver's side panel, the instrument cluster turns off. Any ideas to what this problem may be?

[idlafie]

I tried to start my car with my key and it wouldn't start. The starter doesn't seem to do anything when the key is turned on. The car just makes a click sound when I'm trying to start the car. I tested the starter with a power source, it still works. I did a push start and the car starts and runs. I'm assuming that it's a wire harness problem. I thoroughly checked the wire harness for any open lines/bad wiring and it seems fine. What's wiered is that when I take out the key, the instrument cluster stays on as if the key is in the on position. I checked the fuses in driver's side footpanel and engine bay and did not find any blown. What's puzzling is that when I place the fuse tester on the reverse lamp fuse in the driver's side panel, the instrument cluster turns off. Any ideas to what this problem may be?

Remove the steering wheel cover from the steering column and take a look at a 5 position wiring switch located directly opposite where you insert the key into the ignition. It can be removed from the steering column by unscrewing the two phillips head screws which hold it in place. Check the 5 position wiring switch for a electrical short in the switch. Chances are your problem is in that switch.
Anyhow, hope this helps..
ID
'95 SE

[Matt_240]

^^^i second that. prob. your ignition switch.

[the head]

are there any aftermarket electronics installed in your car (stereo, alarm) those can also be problems

[mellojoe]

do you have a manual? Is your clutch pedal going all the way to the floor?

[g81981]

Thanks for the help guys. Found the problem. It was the starter relay located behind the battery by the passenger side. I disconnected the relay and connected the wires together and got the car started. Next thing would be to find a new relay.

[idlafie]

Thanks for the help guys. Found the problem. It was the starter relay located behind the battery by the passenger side. I disconnected the relay and connected the wires together and got the car started. Next thing would be to find a new relay.

D'OH!!!! :duh: :duh: :duh:

ƒorgot about the Starter Relay......ooopppss!!...my bad!!

ID

[GamblerZ]

I didn't think of that either. It's always the simple things. That probably could be the problem on another post as well.

[s14falcon]

simple stuff, i had a similar problem, but it turned out that a little piece of plastic had broken off on the clutch pedal. This little plastic was what would push in the button and let the car start. Otherwise, it would just make the clicking noise. Instead of just making a solid piece of metal, they had a whole whrer the plastic fell out. It was an easy fix, but i was lazy, so i was driving around for like a week with the hole, so i had to reach under the dash and press the sensor every time i wanted to start.