89’ Starting Issues
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
89’ Starting Issues
Hello all, got a stock 89’ with 62K miles on it.
A few weeks ago while attempting to start the engine, it would not crank on my 1st attempt. I would hear a click and my dashboard would light up and nothing else would happen. On my 2nd attempt it would fire right up and run the 30minutes from work to home just fine with no issues whatsoever. This was intermittent happening about once every few days.
Yesterday night it it took me about 4 cycles to get it to crank and start up. This morning took about 8 times. On my final attempt I had turned the key all the way over, backed off just as I heard the click, then turned it over once again and it had cranked and started, drove home fine. It’s also worth to mention that it will crank and start up if the engine is warm, everytime.
I’m not entirely sure what this could be, as I’ve never came across this before in a vehicle, but I’m willing to learn and fix it, whatever it may be. If anybody could point me in the right direction it would be very appreciated!
A few weeks ago while attempting to start the engine, it would not crank on my 1st attempt. I would hear a click and my dashboard would light up and nothing else would happen. On my 2nd attempt it would fire right up and run the 30minutes from work to home just fine with no issues whatsoever. This was intermittent happening about once every few days.
Yesterday night it it took me about 4 cycles to get it to crank and start up. This morning took about 8 times. On my final attempt I had turned the key all the way over, backed off just as I heard the click, then turned it over once again and it had cranked and started, drove home fine. It’s also worth to mention that it will crank and start up if the engine is warm, everytime.
I’m not entirely sure what this could be, as I’ve never came across this before in a vehicle, but I’m willing to learn and fix it, whatever it may be. If anybody could point me in the right direction it would be very appreciated!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
before I'd do anything diagnostic, I 'd clean all grounds and leads.....on battery and starter....there 's a major ground location right behind the battery on the firewall.....good luck....
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
This is probably your battery, but before you spend tons of time and money do this: 1) get it started and drive to AutoZone, 2) leave the car running and ask the tech to put a meter on your battery terminals, 3) he will measure it and tell you about the health of you battery, charging system and starter. Repair from there.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I’m betting it’s the ignition switch on the base of the column because you said as you started to release it started. Sounds like bad contacts in the switch itself. Good luck.
