s14 Ignition Problem

[vJilly]

Alright guys, I've been searching for quite some time now but no thread I find has quite the same problem as me. The car is a 1997 s14. Starting the car is an absolute bitch but has only become a problem this summer, aka, when its hot as shit outside. When its cooler, I never the problem. With that being said to start my car, its the infamous key-breaking-fuckboy s14 ignition problem. I put the key in the on position and everything works, radio, lights, every accessory. So when I turn the key to crank the car, it will not do anything whatsoever, no clicks, no nothing, and my accessories stop working until I stop trying to crank it. But, when I turn the key to crank it, and push up on the ignition it will start most of the time, even then, sometimes I just have to sit and wait and pray to the S-Chassis gods it will start. Does anyone have any info on this? I've read a million different things, but nothing makes a ton of sense as to why its only when its really hot outside. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[vJilly]

bump help please

[kruked]

Possibility that the solenoid on the back of the ignition is faulty.

Pushing vs not pushing, the problem sounds like it lies right in the ignition region. I would pull the shroud off from around the column and take a gander at the mechanism. Try your methods of starting the car and see if something is out of the ordinary. Chances are, you won't see anything, but ya never know.
Secondly, I would unscrew the solenoid and fumble around w/ it w/ a flat head, while attempting to start the engine.

[jr_ss]

It honestly just sounds like a coincidence that it's only when it's warm out. Like Jay said, pull the shroud off and see if you can see anything visible that may be an issue. Take a multimeter and see what it does to the voltages on the cylinder as you rotate the key. Do it with you method of starting the car as well. I honestly think that you just need to replace the ignition switch, they do wear out.

[vJilly]

nothing looks visually wrong, shroud has been off for quite some time now. and honestly I don't think it's a coincidence cause when I get off of work at night it starts near every damn time and it's cooler at night obviously.


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[dbeiler]

These ignition switches failing is a common problem. The key cylinder does not need replaced. Only the electrical cylinder which slides in and connects to the key cylinder. This is what they look like inside:

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae27/davidibeiler/IMG_20140216_170130068_zps92b27ac9.jpg (http://s954.photobucket.com/user/davidibeiler/media/IMG_20140216_170130068_zps92b27ac9.jpg.html)

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae27/davidibeiler/IMG_20140216_170451440_HDR_zpsd0f3743a.jpg (http://s954.photobucket.com/user/davidibeiler/media/IMG_20140216_170451440_HDR_zpsd0f3743a.jpg.html)

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae27/davidibeiler/IMG_20140216_164535240_zps9ba69340.jpg (http://s954.photobucket.com/user/davidibeiler/media/IMG_20140216_164535240_zps9ba69340.jpg.html)

Like jr_ss recommended, attach the multimeter test leads to the acc wire and moniter the voltage WHILE you switch from 'start' to 'on'. The cylinder movement could occasionally be interrupting power sent to acc wire. Meaning you would need to clean or replace the electrical cylinder. This 'switch-ignition' can be found on courtesyparts.com for $30.

[vJilly]

thanks for your responses guys. I think I'm gonna replace the ignition switch and report back afterwards


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