Last night when I tried to start my 93 SC400, nothing happened -- no click, nothing. I waited a few minutes and tried again. Same thing. Not knowing what else to do, I got out of the car and rocked it back and forth ( tranny in Park) a few times. To my amazement, the car started right up. Now I don't know if this was just a coincidence, or if my act of desperation actually accomplished something. Does anyone have any idea as to what might be going on here? Any clues would be much appreciated, since it's only a matter of time before this happens again.

Thanks!

Nic

P.S. My first post. Hope I don't make any newbie boo-boos

1993 SC400, Silver Spruce, 298,388 miles.

 

Maybe you have a bad battery connection. I believe the sc's had a bad ground connection or battery terminal. I had the same problem a few months back but changed the battery terminal and my car started up fine after that.

 

 

Thanks for the input. I was thinking it might be the starter, since all the dash lights were coming on when I turned the key. Would that still be happening if it was a bad ground?

I've been looking for an excuse to install one of those grounding kits. Maybe this is it

Nic
1993 Silver Spruce SC400, 298,388 miles

 

Hey man,

Did u check how tight your connections are?

Your lights would still have come on if it was your starter, so don't think that is it. Sounds like u have a bad connection at the battery.

Peace,
Jonny

 

Thanks for the input.

It happened again the other night. This time I moved the shifter into neutral and it started right up. Now I'm thinking that it might be the neutral safety switch. Does anyone have any idea of the likelihood of that? I've heard that starters are a pretty common problem, but could find no reference to neutral safety switches on the forums.

Even thought the neutral safety switch is $$$, it requires a lot less labor than the 5.2 hours to replace the starter. Any feedback is much appreciated.

Nic
1993 Silver Spruce SC400; 298,450 miles

 

I have a similar problem with my '93 SC300...turn the key and only a click. Sometimes takes 5-10 tries and then starts fine; sometimes putting it in neutral works too. I'm also guessing it's the neutral safety switch, but will check the battery first. Where is the switch? And can it be by-passed?

 

i'm willing to put my money on a weak battery or a bad connection. Check the battery connections for looseness or corrosion. Clean off the battery terminals and see if that helps at all.

 

With as many miles as you have on your car, the starter is soon to have to be repl. unless done before. I would have the battery tested and clean the connections first.