Power okay, but no cranking

[gkz]

A 2009 manual. Doesn't crank. Hear relays and fuel pump when key is turned. Once in awhile, if I wiggle the shifter, it'll crank and start. Push starts okay. Anyone see this before?

[bronsin]

It push starts and runs every time? Maybe it’s the “safety“ device that makes you push the clutch in before it will crank? It’s a switch on the clutch pedal up underneath the dash.

[gkz]

Thanks; I'll check the switch.

[bronsin]

I think you can defeat the switch by cutting the wire and placing it together. That way you won’t have to push the clutch in to start the engine. It’s an idiot “safety” feature that can go bad.

[gkz]

I jumpered the connection to the switch to bypass it. I still get the same symptoms. Turn key, dash lights out, fuel pump runs, relays click; no starter. Any ideas?

[sh0rtlife]

but if you wiggle the shifter it will sometimes start or always start?

[bronsin]

What are the electrical connections to the transmission? Just the back up lights?

[gkz]

but if you wiggle the shifter it will sometimes start or always start?

Just sometimes, and I don't think there's any starter system related things with the manual, other than the clutch. I could be wrong.

[gkz]

So, I checked the + solenoid terminal and had battery power. Disconnected the purple wire and got 12V when the key was turned (clutch depressed). Cleaned all terminals and treated w/dielectric grease. Same symptoms. Gave the solenoid a love tap with the hammer and it starts. Turned it off and still won't start unless I tap the solenoid. Looks like I need a new starter or just a solenoid if I can do that. Thanks everybody for your help.

[bronsin]

Graduations! There’s nothing like fixing it yourself! $$$