Different kind of key/start problem - help please
 

So I know about the steering lock. I already have the fuse pulled. However, recently I've been having issues getting it started and it just cycles through acc and on forever without starting. I replaced fob battery and adjusted the bottom clutch switch. No change.

But, here is what I discovered. If I sit in the car when it isn't starting and lock it using the keyfob then unlock with the keyfob, then it will start the first attempt. Shut it off and it won't start again until I lock/unlock again with the fob.

Any ideas? Something with the security system that doesn't have to do with the steering lock?

Battery is good?

The ESCL could be the problem. If vibration has caused internal parts to shift, the switches may get out of position. But it would not be high on my list of possibilities.

The FSM will have wiring diagrams, functional descriptions, trouble-shooting procedures, etc. See link in my sig.

You mean the pin or whatever internal mechanism inside the ESCL might have re-engaged somehow over time? With the fuse out I expected that locking/unlocking the car would have zero effect on the ESCL. Would it be worth trying to get it running again, insert fuse again, then after unlocking successfully tap with a mallet anyway to be sure the mechanism inside is fully free?


Btw battery is fine. New battery in fob too.

There are some moving parts inside that make contact with some internal limit switches. If the parts have moved around so that they are not making good contact with the limit switches, the car won't start.

Cycling the ESCL will probably fix things but no guarantees.

I've bought batteries that were DOA but I don't think that's your problem.

Cycling steering lock again and re-pulling fuse did not help. I then focused on the bottom clutch switch and bench tested with my multimeter. It checked out, and I also cleaned up all contacts with electrical cleaner. Still no change.

I then searched some more and found another post in a different forum (reddit maybe? I forget) where someone had the same issue, switch tested good, but he replaced it anyway and it fixed it. I bought a new bottom switch on a whim and it has started up 5 times in a row just now regardless of locking/unlocking. It is adjusted in the exact same position and gap as there original one was, so it wasn't the positioning.

I'll report back if it turns out to be something else and the problem comes back. Just strange how locking and unlocking allowed it to start every time, but never again if the car was left unlocked. Scratching my brain to figure out what effect the security system could possibly have on the behavior of that switch.

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