Intermittent no start

[Sergmann]

This weekend while at the track my car had a intermittent no start issue pop up. When I arrived at the track the car fired up no problem and I backed it off the trailer, let it warm up a bit and the turned it off. Got in it for the first session and it fired up no problem. When I got in for the second session the car would not crank. With the key on all the gauges came up and I could hear the fuel pump turn on but no starter. nothing, not even a click. I pulled the battery cable in the trunk and let it sit for a few minutes. With the cable re attached it started again. Third session, no start. I tried disconnecting the battery again but that didn't work. For the rest of the day I just bump started the car so I didn't lose any more track time. For the final session of the day I got in the car and it started no problem. Basically its totally random when it decides to start or not.

I have two keys, same problem with both so I know its not the key. Starter runs great, when it runs. I'm thinking clutch switch possibly and will try bypassing that to eliminate it. Any other thoughts?

[MTiz]

Have you done any engine bay work recently and disconnected the positive battery terminal on the passenger side of the car? Mine wasn't fully tightened and the car wouldn't start intermittently. I torqued it down and immediately went from a no-crank no-start to firing right up.

[Sergmann]

thanks for the suggestion. I will verify the connection tonight.

[jonnypax09]

When mine popped up it had all the same symptoms you have here, for a month I couldn't nail it down. It could be clutch switch and the bypass is an easy test. Mine ended up being a quick replacement of the ignition switch, so far so good!

[Sergmann]

another good point. I ordered a switch since they are only about $30 delivered.

[FBloggs]

I was advised to look for 12v at pin 4(black/blue wire) of the clutch module(2004 production) with the clutch pedal depressed and the ign switch at position 2.

[m3nt0s]

Sounds similar to the random no start shenanigans I had to deal with last year. Checked ground strap, and replacing battery and alternator didn’t fix it. Ultimately it was the starter and no issues since.

[Tones]

How old is the starter? Mine would work when cold and slight warm. But full hot it would not.
Replaced in and no more issues. Other than the fuel sender pump now

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[Sergmann]

I cant say how old the start is. Could be original for all I know. 2001 with 127K on the clock. I'm hoping the ignition switch or clutch switch (which haven't arrived yet) fix the issue but if not I will look at the starter.

[02_lsb]

Fuel pump. Get OE.

[MTiz]

Fuel pump. Get OE.

Wouldn't a bad fuel pump still crank?

[02_lsb]

Wouldn't a bad fuel pump still crank?

Mine did. I’d say every third time, the car wouldn’t start. I changed the fuel pump, it hasn’t been an issue since.

[sapote]

When it failed to crank, check the EWS pins:

pin2 should have 12v with key turned to crank. If not check ignition switch.
pin1 should have 12 with key turned to crank. If not then either either key RF communications issue or bad EWS internal relay.

[toy4to]

I had an intermittent no start due to a loose positive cable connection on my alternator. Check that it's tightened.

[Sergmann]

I had an intermittent no start due to a loose positive cable connection on my alternator. Check that it's tightened.

thank you for the advice. I did replace the alternator about 2 years ago. Perhaps the cable has loosened.