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could use some electrical help...power distribution

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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 12:07 AM
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Default could use some electrical help...power distribution

...it happened again.

I've been fixing a multitude of different starting related problems. I've replaced a bad relay, did the ignition switch fix, cleaned and readjusted my PASS-key sensor contacts, even tightened the starter contacts and replaced my purple wire to the solenoid. All were problems that needed fixing. Worked fine for awhile.

Now I have been greeted again with a no crank. All seemed to check out fine, relay works as intended, little resistance all the way to the solenoid. I found a lack of power (more like none) in the red constant hot on the back of the kickpanel fuse box, at the brown connector on the back. All other wires with it are hot, and judging from an ohm test this is the one that feeds my maxi fuse for the starter.

Does anyone have a schamatic that shows me where this wire comes from? I see it dissapears into the harness, and I'm rather reluctant to pull the dash to trace the wire. As luck would have it, I cant find my service manual and cant find the appropriate wiring schematic online.

It's midnight, I'll deal with it tomorrow. Thanks in advance...

'98 6spd
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:03 AM
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Is the solenoid clicking itself?
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:19 AM
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no, there is no power to make the solenoid click. However, the starter works fine if I jump 12v to it, everytime. The relay does click, but theres no power on the red wire to the relay at all.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 11:21 AM
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Ok, so back up to the TDR relay in the passenger footwell. If you carefully pry the cover off or jumper the signal wires (not the coil wires), the starter should turn over. Caution, if its a MN6 trans, make sure its in neutral otherwise you'll be chasing your car through the garage wall and so on. Have you pulled your codes yet?
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:10 PM
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Starter does not turn over.

According to the schematic, there is a lack of power before the theft deterrent relay on that red wire. The maxifuse has no power either. I need to know where that fuse pulls it's power. It's looking like it gets it from the I/P fuse block somewhere but haven't verified it yet. The other 3 wires on the relay work as intended.

No codes related to a starting or theft deterrent manfunction.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by dgrant3830
Ok, so back up to the TDR relay in the passenger footwell. If you carefully pry the cover off or jumper the signal wires (not the coil wires), the starter should turn over. Caution, if its a MN6 trans, make sure its in neutral otherwise you'll be chasing your car through the garage wall and so on. Have you pulled your codes yet?
By the OP's last statement, this suggestion will not work, as he does not have 12 volts on the red wire(12 volt feed from the starter fuse).


To the OP, check the fuse per the schematic.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by dhirocz
Starter does not turn over.

According to the schematic, there is a lack of power before the theft deterrent relay on that red wire. The maxifuse has no power either. I need to know where that fuse pulls it's power. It's looking like it gets it from the I/P fuse block somewhere but haven't verified it yet. The other 3 wires on the relay work as intended.

No codes related to a starting or theft deterrent manfunction.
I'm in an airport, so I'm quickly scanning the schematics, but it appears to be a hot feed from the underhood electrical center. In other words, should be hot at all times.....provided you have a good battery.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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i have 20 min before I board....PMing you my number.
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