I hope you wiped the grease off. You don't want it spinning abound the whole flywheel area and cathcing dirt, etc.

I had a problem like this a couple years agi with my Teg. Lemme think about it a few and I'll get back to you.

 

You the man. I spent 4 hours slicing my hands to shreds for naught.

Hey, whereabouts in SJ are you? I'm right by Camden County College

 

Wow I'm really surprised it wasn't the starter. What the **** can it be?

 

Chris, I have no idea, dude. I'm debating whether I repack my starter with grease and pop it back in or just leave the new one in.

Incidentally, 0 grind at start-up using an Autozone starter

 

Did you notice any difference with the new starter? If not then just pop your old 1 in and at least get your $ back.

 

ABSOLUTELY NONE.

I am going to leave it in for a day or so before I remove it. I am selling the car soon, a new starter would be a worthwhile line item to leave in.

 

Good point. Maybe the starter problem is god telling you to get rid of the car? Can I still have $10?

 

Next time it acts up look at your radio to see if it shuts off.. I just went out to check my car and while in the crank position the radio shuts down..Even if the car is already running...Some cars shut off the headlights, etc...Our's shut the clock and radio off while cranking.. This will at least let you know if the ignition switch is working.
I checked the radio while in reverse and the radio still shuts off so all the radio shutting off tells you is that the ignition switch is good.
Do you have someone who can give you a hand while looking under the hood? Next time it acts up have someone turn the switch to crank and check the inhibitor relay by putting your hand on it to see if it clicks...Also try swapping the inhibitor relay with another relay.
Also how fast does the starter crank when it does crank? I've seen corrossion on the ground wire cause a no start before..usually when this happens you'll get a slow crank on the times that it does crank..Check voltage drop from the starter bolt to the battery ground. It should be near zero volts... IIRC, there should be less than .5 to 1 ohm resistance between the starter ground and negative battery. Same with battery positive to the starter. IIRC, The power wire should have less than .5 to 1 ohm.

On a side note: I've also seen autozone starters come faulty right out of the box.. They bench test good, but as soon as you install them the they have an intermittent no crank...We've started only selling OEM starters at our work because of this issue..

 

Ohhhh...this is a good one...the clock is out now (overhaul), I think I have a spare one lying around, let's see what we've got...

 

Oh, I'm 5spd btw

 

Hopefully 5thgenmaxima is right.

 

Well in that case, the picture is fixed.. Instead try swapping the clutch interlock relay with another relay, and if you have a friend that can help check to see if the clutch interlock relay is clicking by putting your finger on it when the car acts up...As far as the clock being out, it doesn't matter just look at the lights on the radio to see if they shut off.

EDIT: Also next time it acts up keep the key in the crank position and try releasing and pushing the clutch again..It could be a sticking clutch pedal switch...If it where me the first thing I'd check is to see if the clutch interlock relay is clicking when the starter isn't engaging...That'll cut the circuit in half and help narrow down the cause alot faster.
Also did they bench test your starter at autozone before selling you a new one?

 

The clutch interlock relay is what I had a problem with on my Teg.

The switch located on the pedal powers the realy. First try finding the switch and jump it out. If the realy pulls then maybe only the switch is bad or out of adjustment. If it is an internittent problem with the realy, you can find the relay and determine which terminals power the relay and what ones are the 2 that get connected together (look at the diagram) you can just jumpo themp out with some wire. A couple of male terminals would even be better.

I live over in Marlton on Route 70 behind Walmart. In the summer I come your way allot because my kids play hockey over at Lakeland. If you are still haveing trpouble you can stop by and I'll try to give you a hand. I've spent a good many years under cars.

 

fflint, I may have to take you up on this. I'll shoot you a PM if this does not prove to be the problem outright.

Ugh, this is depressing.

 

4th gens had problems with the ignition switch. Dunno if it's it tho. I don't want you to spend money for no reason.

 

No problem. This stuff is right up my alley.

 

You know how to change out a clutch? I am going to need some help with that one as well, I'd gladly compensate you for time...

UPDATE: Based upon 5thgen's info, the radio IS turning off when the go switch is kicked in...

 

I've done a bunch of clutch's, but only a couple of FWDs. It could ne a real *****. The real question is, Do you have the space?? I've got most of the tools, but my garage is too small and packed with stuff to do it.

And you have to be ready to change a bunch of stuff. Depending on the miles you may want to change the halfshafts since you have to pull them anyway. And you should probably get the flywheel resurfaced or have another one ready. Seals for the shafts at the tranny should be replaced.

Then there is the issue with the hydraulics. From what I hear about Max's they are real trouble to bleed so you want to try to do the job without disconnecting the lines.

These are just a few things I've thought of in the last couple minutes. I'm really new to Max's so let me think for a bit on the other problems.

 

Fortunately, I have the space in my garage.

There's are exceptionally good write-ups here:

Clutch Replacement
Clutch Bleed
Hose

Let me know what you think and possibly we can work something out about getting this done in the near future!

Check out that site while you're at it, it's really a great site for we 3.0 owners

 

Was the start up problem solved?

 

Negative, my man. I am going to try swapping relays tomorrow in hopes of resolving this issue. It's terrifying wondering if my car will start or not.

 

thats right never ever by a starter or generator from them they are the worse

 

i had this same problem..it was just that my battery was dead and i had to replace my posotive cable and terminal..and i am good that was back in aug of this year

 

Damn man that blows. Reminds me of when I had to change my starter. I was praying that was the problem, and thank god it was. Until it was changes I was just as terrorified. Hopefully that relay swap works for you.

 

ignition switch is good... Feeling to see if the relay clicks or not will let you know if the clutch interlock is bad or the starter..I doubt it's a intermittant open in a wire since it has a normal (not slow) crank when it does engage and seems to work after a few trys without jiggling wires around..
I'd swap relays... If the new relay clicks it's probably another bad starter..If the relay doesn't click it's probably a clutch interlock switch.

 

haha did you poot trying to break it lose..i know i did..lol i didnt have breaker bar..crazy right

 

make sure your bettery terminals are clean of corrosion, and have a very good connection. I had a customer tow in his car due to an intermittent start/no start and had wierd electrical problems. All were solved by cleaning and retightning both positive and negative battery terminals. GL

 

I agree, sometimes the most complicated things are really simple. Bad connections can cause all sorts of issues.

 

Guys, I will update this on Friday when I have a chance to work on this...I just wanted to express my gratitude for all whom have contributed to this thread thus far, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I might have some time on the weekend if you want to drive over (if it will start) and I can help you troubleshoot the relay and switch.

 

How did you make out? Any progress?? I thought that I might hear from you about looking at the realy and switch.

 

Hey, man - no I have not had a chance to mess with this yet. I am going to do this Tuesday. The missus and I just got a puppy, and between that, taking X-Mas decorations down, and work, I'll be damned if I have been able to get to it.

Hey, did you give the clutch work any thoughts?

 

I am not sure I'll have the time. Puppies are easy. 2 kids that are 11 and 14 are really hard. They are playing hockey every weekend on Sat and Sun. I'd hate to promise and then not be able to help. I'm sure I can help some, but not sure I can have the hours available to do the whole job. I'll PM you my cell and maybe we can talk over the next couple days.

 

Sounds good, buddy - talk to you then

 

Let me throw out an oddball i've seen in a few cars... seeing that all the common sense solutions have been said...

I'm going to say that your alternator voltage regulator is bad and has been over charging your battery. An over charged battery can give you the symptoms you are describing.

Sounds weird right?

Anyways good luck... this will be an easy hit or completely miss.

 

i thought you decided to keep it?