Car turns over but doesn't start until *after* I release key!
 

OK guys I need your help.

I recently pulled my 3.2L motor and fixed some DME wiring with the DME cable.
Now when I turn the key to the "start" position the motor doesn't start, just turns over. When I release the key (to the "run" position) it starts.

This car is undergoing a restoration of sorts. It is a rebodied Carrera and the wiring isn't totally correct yet. It did start "normally" before I removed the motor.

Could this happen if I connected the yellow starter wire to the wrong screw (there are 2)?

I have the yellow wire going to the lower screw around 5 o'clock as you look at the start from underneath the car. There is also a screw at around 6 oclock and closer to the center of the seleniod.

thanks!

-Chris

I think the DME wire is not connected to the correct terminal at the fuse box.

You likely have it connected to one of the terminals which is dead during cranking. Check with a test light.

I did the same thing once!

Doug

The yellow needs to go to screw #50. I'm pretty sure the number in on it. Sounds like the fuel pump is not running while in the start position.

Did you remove the wires from the fuse block? Make sure the fuse for the fuel pump in one that is hot only in ON or START position.

Hey Chris, any progress on this?

Hi guys,
I haven't had a chance to work on it since I posted (was helping a friend with his car).
Here's a couple of data points I can add to the problem:
- I haven't changed anything with the fuse box
- I can't tell which starter terminal is #50 (short of removing the starter and looking)

I'll probably get one of my friends with a Carrera to let me look at his car/starter.

Hopefully I'll get to work on it some this weekend.
-Chris

I had this problem once (when I swapped the 3.2 into my car) and the key to solving it was to realize that I had wired the 12V source to the coil to a fuse that was only powered when the key was in the "run" position and not in the "crank" position. I would crank and crank and it would not fire only to finally catch when I released the key.

I'm not sure if this helps at all, but might give you some things to consider.

To what DME wiring and DME cable are you refering in the above statement?

I would propose you:

Test for 12V at the DME when cranking.

Next, test for 12V at the fuel pump when cranking.

Third test the coil for 12V when cranking.

Finally, perform the same tests while in key is in the run position. I believe you'll find an inconsistency.

Note.....
The fuel pump should not run in the on position, but only when the engine is cranking or running. The computer looks for motion at the crank position sensor before providing power to the fuel pump via the second stage of the DME relay.

Good luck!

Doug