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Turn key - nothing happens, occurs randomly

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Old 12-16-2010, 11:14 AM
  #1  
dbspcl
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Default Turn key - nothing happens, occurs randomly

I've been having the strangest problem that seems to be getting worse. It happens randomly, no connection to being hot, cold, etc. I will turn the key to start and nothing happens. It is not a battery problem, since the lights etc. stay on and don't even dim. No clicking of solenoid, just nothing. Any ideas? Could it be the key itself (PATS, doubtful since no codes are showing)? Is there a clutch switch that might be going bad (this is a 5-speed)? Fuse box? I recently swapped in a 200-amp alternator but it just does not feel like a battery or connection problem.

2007 GT
Brenspeed 87 tune
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Old 12-16-2010, 11:28 AM
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ski
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The easiest troubleshooting item is to make sure the starter connections are secure.
If they're ok, then it can be any one of the other items that you mentioned(Plus the ignition switch. I'd also rule out a fuse. Normally, once they blow they have to be replaced).
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Old 12-16-2010, 11:33 AM
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Nuke
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Could be a number of things. My first gut feeling is a faulty ignition switch with an intermittent connection. Same for the clutch switch.

What do you do to get it to crank?
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Old 12-16-2010, 02:00 PM
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candymanjl
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I've had that happen to me several times. In my case it's me just not hitting the clutch down 100%.

Kinda annoying, I haven't checked to see if the clutch switch adjustable or not but the it doesn't engage until the clutch is pressed all the way. It's pickier than any other car I've owned.
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Old 12-16-2010, 07:32 PM
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hammeron
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could be the starter motor itself, might need to take the car to a shop
that you trust and have them diagnose.
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Old 12-16-2010, 07:52 PM
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I have had the same thing happen several times, but like Candyman, its due to me not having the clutch engaged 100%. I simply press to the floor and turn the key again and it starts no problem...it doesnt happen anymore because I naturally push 100% now
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Old 12-16-2010, 09:49 PM
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baddog671
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Originally Posted by Apexodus
I have had the same thing happen several times, but like Candyman, its due to me not having the clutch engaged 100%. I simply press to the floor and turn the key again and it starts no problem...it doesnt happen anymore because I naturally push 100% now
Exact same for me!
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Old 12-17-2010, 04:24 PM
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VistaBlue
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Does it happen really often? If so, perhaps look into bypassing the clutch safety switch and see if that alleviates the problem. If so, you'll have narrowed the problem down to one of two things: Faulty switch, or operator error (not pushing the clutch in enough to trigger the switch).
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Old 12-20-2010, 01:24 PM
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blk05stang
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My parents had this exact problem with their car. It ended up being the ECU was faulty. They changed out the ignition switch, alt, battery, and a couple other things before finally figuring this out.
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Old 12-23-2010, 01:44 PM
  #10  
JT1652
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Originally Posted by candymanjl
I've had that happen to me several times. In my case it's me just not hitting the clutch down 100%.

Kinda annoying, I haven't checked to see if the clutch switch adjustable or not but the it doesn't engage until the clutch is pressed all the way. It's pickier than any other car I've owned.
I have experienced this as well.
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