I have a 2004 roadster and recently started having an issue with the car not wanting to crank. Ill try my best to explain what its doing as its not something as simple as a bad battery. First ill start by saying last year i replaced the battery, crank position sensor, and cam position sensors. Car has just over 73k miles currently.

When i push the clutch in and turn the key all the way it wont do anything, wont even attempt to turn over, or make any noise, but has full power to battery. I used to could turn the key all the way back to the off position and then go all the way forward and the car would crank. Now its gotten to were i have to release the clutch turn the key off and cycle through a few times till it finally cranks.

My thoughts are that its something electrical in either the ignition or the clutch. Does anyone have any input? I hate to put it in a shop and them take forever to find the problem or say they cant figure it out and im out 500 bucks or more.

 

clutch engage sensor maybe?

Next time put in neutral try to crank, hold key to start and when it does nothing go on and off the clutch firmly and see if that gets it to start. Don't release the key from start when you do it.

 

Moved...

 

i checked the connections at the clutch and all is well, but ill try what you said and see what that does and give an update. If you turn the wheel back and forth ive been able to get it to start that way, but it may have given whatever time to reconnect if something loose.

 

My thoughts exactly. Check the position of the switch down by the clutch pedal/arm - probably out of position.

 

I agree. Not sure if out cars have a rubber bushing/boot on the clutch sensor by the pedal (or how it even engages for that matter, just assuming off past experience). Anyways, the rubber boot my be worn off/out and fallen apart. Either purchase a new one (if this is the issue) or most people I know just throw a nut/bolt in there as that will last as long as the car opposed to a rubber bushing.

 

get a diagnostics check...bad censors

 

haha...i said Censor!.... "sensors"... my b

 

I have the exact same problem sometimes I have to clutch out and in again or turn the key from off to on a few times for it to work. I've done lots of research and i think its your key. When i installed HIDs and a full sound system the problem began. it seems our electrical keys cannot handle that much electricity flowing with the car off. I don't know if you have a sound system or not but the problem you have is the exact same as mine. Try to replace/reprogram your key. Try searching "intermittent starting" on the search and you should see many similar Z owners with the same problem.