HELP . . . Electrical gremlin

This really makes me mad . . . car went on the rack in October after last event and wasn't touched until this weekend, and I mean it wasn't touched, i.e. not started, not anything except for the battery tender that was keeping the battery charged.

Flushed the brakes, checked all of the stuff that needs to be done before the first event. This evening I was ready to change the oil which was the last thing on the list and when to start it and nothing. Not even a single little click from the starter.

Roll started it and it fired right up with all systems working, i.e. alternator, gauges, etc.

Figures all of the Chevy stuff would be working and something Porsche has crapped out.

I am scheduled to leave Thursday for VIR which means I need a quick solution or I'm going to install a starter button and call it a day.

My OE ignition switch and wiring harness is factory. The wiring from the switch to starter is one of the few wires that I used from the original harness. The alarm relay is still in place which when disconnected killed the power to the gauges and anything else attached to the Porsche harness.

I can not remember if there is any connection between the starter and the GM PCM, but I'm guessing not because the car fired up with the key in the on position.

I have not traced the wire that goes to the solenoid yet because the engine was hot. I know that I have to do that, however, there is no telling where the dam thing goes and I don't have time to waste on this.

Thanks in advance guys.

Marc

Marc, Sounds like the factory ECM relay took a dump. Replace it.

R,

First thing I did was pop in the spare . . . . no love there.

Marc

Looks like I'll just find a push button and wire it from 12v switched to the solenoid.

How many amps does the switch have to tolerate?

Thanks

Marc

Did you do the alarm jumper-wire mod like Clark's garage shows?

From my 85.5 wiring schematic, if the factory alarm module is faulty, you could replace the DME relay 100 times and it still wont start......

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I'm all over that. Thanks again. Will post tomorrow on results.

Same setup here, Marc. Stock Porsche starter wiring with the alarm bypassed but the DME relay completely gone. Good luck.

Rich

The mechanical part of the ignition switch likes to die on these cars as well, I had the same symptoms and it was the switch. Same wiring setup, GM starter solenoid activated by the Porsche wiring.

Well the depth of my stupidity is only rivaled by the Mariana Trench.

Long story short I was installing my firewall brace and while reaching under the master cylinder to mount the plate I must have pushed on the 2 wire connector that has the alternator idiot light wire AND the solenoid switch wire. Plugged it back together and no more drama.

Sorry for the alarm

Yay! Next stop VIR!!

Rich L. wrote:Yay! Next stop VIR!!

Word

I have an entire notebooks devoted to dumb garage moves. Glad it working and have fun at VIR, love that track.