Hi,

I need some help with a starting issue on my 1973 Z, auto trans, mostly original car. Car has been operating great then one day nothing. Car won't crank, just a clicking noise under dash on passenger side. I have a new battery; I checked & cleaned all connections from starter to ignition.

I tried starting it in neutral thinking it might be the neutral safety switch but same thing.

I tried turning the key to the start position and wiggled it up and down to see if the lock was the issue but nothing.

I read on the forum that the automatics have a starter inhibitor circuit (K-18) mounted on the firewall. The person replaced it and it cured the similar problem I had. The K-18 was replaced by Nissan with a new part number (25230-89918).   When I went to look for it, I found that it had been replaced again with a new part number (B5230-89985). I found one and it didn’t help, same issue.

Can I test the starter by running a cable from pos battery post direct to the starter? If so, what is the best way?

Any other suggestions?

 

The 3 attached photos are:

1. The switches on upper kick panel of passenger side. The lower blackbone is the one that is clicking. Not sure of the name or if that needs to be replaced,

2. the Interrupter circuit on firewall,

3. The clicking switch enlarged in case someone can identify it?

Edited 18 hours ago18 hr by GregP

I use a long screwdriver to jump the the 2 big wires on the solenoid. Touch them both but you want the car in neutral and the key in the ON position. It scares the crap out of me but I'm a big ole sissy.

Good luck and be careful, use and old screwdriver because it's going to leave an arc burnt spot on your screwdriver. I like to have a person filming this to hear my scream. Just kidding but it really is good to have a witness in case something goes wrong.

That's the old skool way. A friend of mine years ago gave me a push button switch with two long wires attached and alligator clips on each end. One clip gets attached to the battery POSITIVE and the other gets clipped to the spade on the starter solenoid (remove the wire from the solenoid first). With the transmission in neutral, a push of the button should engage the starter motor.

They call them "Remote Starter Switch" on Amazon...

This problem is a common one on Z cars and has prompted many owners (including me) to install a STARTER RELAY. The start signal comes from the Ignition Switch and gets diluted by the interlock system and years of wire/connector oxidation. It's easier on that circuit if it just "sets" a relay - which then delivers power straight from the battery to the starter solenoid. (I also removed the overly complicated interlock system on my 260Z - just sayin' - personal choice...)

I'd take a test light or meter and see if the wire to the small spade connection on the solenoid is getting power when you turn the key to Start. You might have a cylinder full of coolant. Who knows.

If you're getting power to the solenoid but it doesn't do its thing then you might have a bad starter/starter solenoid. Hit it with a hammer.