Ok my car has stumped me. When I put the key in and try to start it, noting happens. I turn the key and no click or anything. My radio, interior lights and seats work, but on my dash my gauges don't light up, only the "idiot lights" light up. I have run a bypass on the starter relay and put in a switch and the car starts, but still no dash lights. When I put the car in gear the "idiot lights" go out and my dash lights up. Any ideas? I have had and tried different relays for the starter, and different ignition switch, and an ECU, what else should I try.

Thanks for any input.

 

You did not mention Auto or manual [or sc400/300]

If you have auto trans, you may like to jiggle the gear shifter and push it all the way forward. There is a interlock with the starter through a sifter position switch [park, neutral, drive].

Salim

 

That would not stop the dash lights from coming on, and the car will start if I jump the starter relay. And it's auto

 

Next disconnect the relay (solenoid) activating signal and put light bulb 5W (other end ground). If it lights up when you turn the ignition then the problem is in the solenoid. If not then you have to trace the ignition switch voltage. That signal runs through the safety switch, I mentioned in my previous post.

You can substitute voltmeter for the bulb, but voltmeter does not draw current. The bulb would verify solid connection, while voltmeter will pass a rusty connection.

You can try starting in "N" [apply hand brake]. If it does start then your culprit is the switch or its adjustment.

Salim