98 RS Start Issue

[Speedy Mike]

I have a 98 Eclipse RS with a 5 speed manual. It wont start by turning the key. There is a clicking from behind the radio from the starter relay. The engine starts when you pop the clutch and also starts when you jump out the selenoid. Also the battery tends to go dead. This problem just occured the other day. There is no alarm system or anti theft system on this car. I did clean the contacts on the battery. But have not checked the negative contact to the transmission since the car does start fine when the selenoid is jumped out. Also have not checked the clutch safety switch. Any other idea what might be causing the car not to start?

[Speedy Mike]

When i say it wont start. I mean the selenoid wont click unless it is jumped out.

[david-b]

Originally Posted by Speedy Mike

When i say it wont start. I mean the selenoid wont click unless it is jumped out.

Replace the battery. Mine did the same. Turned out the battery was shot.

[ned032002]

Changing the battery is a relatively cheap replacement so try that first then see what happens.

[Speedy Mike]

yea thats not the issue. battery is fine. I hear a faint buzzing sound and there is a dead short somewhere in the wiring. When I check the resistance between the right male contact at the fuse for the ignition switch there is resistance. And the buzzing goes away when the fuse is removed. doesnt make any sense...

[Speedy Mike]

combination of problems, it turned out to be a push thru button that prevents the neutral safety switch from breaking when the clutch is pressed to hard. and the battery was to dead to start when i tried holding the switch down by hand. Car starts perfect now.

[Speedy Mike]

This is a fuseable link. its not soldered in.

[Speedy Mike]

wrong forum.. lol opps