85 GT won't turn over (Page 1/2)
GabeBjerk AUG 29, 06:56 PM
I just got my second Fiero yesterday. a 85 GT 4 speed. it has sat for 5+ years and I kinda had to dig it out of the ground. it was free though. so the issue I'm having is it won't turn over with the key. its not the battery I jumped it and know its good. its not the starter because I can jump it with screw driver and it turns over. when you turn the key it clicks once. I'm assuming it's the starter solenoid. the only thing that throws me off is that I found a ground cable broken off it goes to the front left side of the head. not sure if it could be starter related. ill try to attach photos. On another note when I first got my 87 se iron duke I never thought id get 2 fieros but they're awesome. thanks for any help, Gabe
Patrick AUG 29, 07:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by GabeBjerk:

I found a ground cable broken off it goes to the front left side of the head. not sure if it could be starter related.



Are you referring to that relatively thick cable in your photo that's laying across the exhaust pipe?

Where does the negative from your battery go to? It's supposed to be attached to the head.
Dennis LaGrua AUG 29, 07:25 PM
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[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 08-29-2025).]

Dennis LaGrua AUG 29, 07:29 PM
The ground terminal from the battery MUST go to the engine and the chassis. The positive terminal to the starter and a feed to the harness. It is important to have all wires connected properly or you could burn out the ECM. After you do this turn the ignition switch to start. If the engine turns over all is fine, If not then test the starter. With battery power connected properly use a screwdriver to momentarily cross the battery and solenoid terminals . The starter should turn the engine over. If not the starter may be bad.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

GabeBjerk AUG 30, 09:40 PM
its not the main ground its fine. Im trying to figure out what it is. maybe an engine to chassis ground. the starter works I have turned it over with screw driver. but with key it only clicks. that's why I'm assuming its the solenoid. I think I'll probably just buy a starter. thanks for your help!
Dennis LaGrua AUG 31, 08:54 PM

quote
Originally posted by GabeBjerk:

its not the main ground its fine. Im trying to figure out what it is. maybe an engine to chassis ground. the starter works I have turned it over with screw driver. but with key it only clicks. that's why I'm assuming its the solenoid. I think I'll probably just buy a starter. thanks for your help!



Also check the neutral safety switch and its connection to the starter. When you turn the key to start the wire must have 12V on it.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

GabeBjerk SEP 01, 09:04 PM
I replaced the solenoid today no luck. I cleaned all the main grounds. thinking more towards broken wires or something. will definitely try to look at neutral safety switch. starter has power as I can jump it but somewhere between it and the key there's a issue.
Patrick SEP 01, 09:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by GabeBjerk:

...will definitely try to look at neutral safety switch.



I don't believe you'd even hear a "click" if there was a problem with that switch... but nevertheless, it's very easy to unplug that switch and install a jumper to (temporarily for testing purposes) bypass it.
GabeBjerk SEP 02, 01:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I don't believe you'd even hear a "click" if there was a problem with that switch...



yeah I just noticed its some kind of sensor next to the evap can that was clicking. I'm going to jump the neutral switch and clutch switch.
GabeBjerk SEP 02, 04:28 PM
I checked power at neutral switch I got 12v then I jumpered it. checked at clutch switch and got .5-1.5v so hoping its the culprit. I'm going to try to trace the wires back and clean terminals.