1990 Nissan 240sx - Doesn't Start

Oct 11, 2006 3 Replies
M

Hey, I have a 1990 Nissan 240sx and today right after I filled the car with gas at the station it decided not to start. The car has power the radio is on, I can turn the subwoofers up very loud so I know the battery is fine. I also tried jump starting just in case, no luck. The car makes no noises that I can hear when I turn the key also. I replaced the starter on it, still not starting same problem. The alternator was replaced only 7 months ago as was the battery. I was however able to push it and pop the clutch and it started right up that way, ran fine. After turning it off when I got it home it still will not start by turning the key.



So I assume the starter is not getting power for some reason. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm in a real jam and need to get this thing working so I can get to work in the morning.



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M

I am thinking it may be the ignition switch after some reading. I have an idea to bypass it and just run the jumper cable from the starter to the battery directly to try and start the car, just a temp fix till the weekend when I have time to fix it. would this be a good idea? or will it not even work?

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M

wrote

According to Autozone's wiring diagram (bottom left quarter):

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's an "Inhibitor Relay" that cuts the power to the starter's solenoidif the clutch interlock switch isn't activated by the clutch being pushed down. This page:
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where the clutch switch is. Check the connections and wires for breaks, try bypassing the switch with a jumper, try directly grounding the BRown/White wire at the switch, try bypassing the Inhibitor Relay if you can find the damn thing, try parking on a hill facing down so you can pop-start it until you have time to play under the dash, or eat your Wheaties so you have enough energy to push and pop it.

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M

UPDATE: I was able to get the car started by putting a screwdriver across the ignition lead and the positive lead on the starter to force the starter to ingage. I have also taken the lower part of the dash off and found the neutral switch, I unplugged it and ran a jumper to connect the two wires together, still is not starting with the key. so I need to find this inhibiter relay i guess and see if I can bypass that. I followed the two wires and they just go up into a mass of other wires and I dont see them coming out again. Where would this relay be located? down by the clutch? or on the outside under the hood near the clutch. I had found some fuses and theres nothing about ignition, I checked them all anyway and they seem to be good.

Wish I had a voltmeter to test and see how far the power is getting when I turn the key or if its getting anywhere at all.

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