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
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.
------------------ " 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 "
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!
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 "
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.
...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.
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.
when you turn the key it clicks once. I'm assuming it's the starter solenoid.
quote
Originally posted by GabeBjerk:
yeah I just noticed its some kind of sensor next to the evap can that was clicking.
You know what they say about assuming anything.
I suspect then that the "click" you heard was occurring when the key was turned to Run... not to Start. Makes a big difference when diagnosing an issue such as this.
The reason I had thought it was the solenoid. was that it clicks every time turned to start. if u keep Turing to start it clicks every time. one thing I thought was kinda odd is it clicks once when turning to start. but if u hold down clutch it clicks when turning and when releaseing back to run.
I can't really follow what you're trying to say... but the point I was making is that the starter solenoid does not "click" when the key is turned to Run.
Yeah. Solenoid didn't click. I've also made sure its not the key swich by hot wiring it. I wonder how the clutch switch is connected to everything. Because my wiring diagram only shows neutral switch. They must not be in line unless neutral switch is before clutch switch. I have power on neutral switch but next to nothing on clutch switch.
They must not be in line unless neutral switch is before clutch switch.
I'm not sure why you're referring to more than one switch. The only switch you're interested in (that Dennis originally brought up) is the switch mounted on your clutch pedal assembly. When that switch is engaged (or jumpered), power should get to the starter solenoid when the key is turned to Start.
I've indicated here the connection that needs to be unplugged and then jumpered for testing purposes. Is this what you've done?
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-02-2025).]
So turns out im not too bright. Instead of jumping the yellow and purple wires i jumped the other clutch pedal sensor that had yellow and brown wires. Just jumped the correct one and it turned over when hot wired.
So turns out im not too bright. Instead of jumping the yellow and purple wires i jumped the other clutch pedal sensor that had yellow and brown wires. Just jumped the correct one and it turned over when hot wired.
I'm not trying to rag on you here... but this procedure has been covered a hundred times at this forum over the years. A few minutes using the Search function to clarify or augment what was stated in this thread would've saved you (and to a lesser degree, Dennis and myself) a lot of wasted time.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-02-2025).]
I'm not trying to rag on you here... but this procedure has been covered a hundred times at this forum over the years. A few minutes using the Search function to clarify or augment what was stated in this thread would've saved you (and to a lesser degree, Dennis and myself) a lot of wasted time.
Jeezuz Paterick and yes you are- cut the guy a break. In the end, at least problem solved and maybe he'll keep the thing instead of another one heading to the crusher. I'm sure he'll try Search next time.
[This message has been edited by MarkS (edited 09-02-2025).]
