Engine will not crank?

MOONWITT

MEMBER
1982 DATSUN 280Z
1.7L
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
195,000 MILES

I just bought the car listed above ZX. I can't get it to turn over. The ignition switch won't send 12V to the starter solenoid. Checking with a meter, the switch isn't making contact between the hot and the wire to the solenoid. Bad switch, right? But there is also another connector on the switch body. Is that some sort of security thing? Could it be preventing the switch from starting the car? If so, what do I check to make sure that is working properly? It looks like a real pain to replace the switch. Thanks

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Because of the model year, my access to wiring schematics are very limited. I did, however, find the two schematics for the starting systems (non-theft system and theft system), but they are extremely vague.

According to the schematics, at least what I can discern, without anti-theft, with the ignition switch in the start position, battery voltage is directly applied to the starter motor So, if there is no power to from the switch, but the switch is getting power, it likely indicates a bad switch.

Without the interrupt relay (theft warning relay) activated, battery voltage is ready to be
applied to the starter motor through the interrupt relay (theft warning relay).

I guess what we need to determine is if it has anti-theft or not. Does, the wire from the switch that you checked run directly to the starter?

I attached the two pics I found below. Let me know if they are helpful to you. Also, here is a link you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)