M20 won't crank. HELP

[stinkydriverx]

Hey guys,
Ive been searching and i can't find the answer. I have a few different problems then most guys with starting problems.

Starter makes no noise when key goes to start position.
Battery has 12.8 Volts.
When key is turned to position 2 no instrument cluster lights come on except for ABS, Battery light.

Ive thought maybe i need to reset the ignition so the car was hooked up to jump it, and still nothing. Battery has been disconnected and connected. Tried tapping the starter to see if it was frozen.
Apparently (i wasn't driving it) on the drive before the car wouldn't start the Tach went dead. I don't know if that is related or not. Im thinking its Ignition because of the cluster problems. But I want more opinions.
Thanks guys
-Andrew

[whiltebeitel]

Check Eric Devier's "M20 woes" thread. Check the main relay.

[slo325i]

Check Eric Devier's "M20 woes" thread. Check the main relay.

I don't it would be the main relay because his starter isn't even cranking... doesn't the main relay mess with the injectors???

Check if you have all the leads connected to the starter correctly. And prolly check all fuses if they are intact.... I'd start there...

[jlevie]

First make sure that the battery cables and posts are clean and tight.

Using a test light or voltmeter, check to see if power is being applied to the starter solenoid lug when the key is turned to start. If power is applied in Start and you don't hear the solenoid click the starter is the likely suspect.

[Philo]

It's odd that the lights don't light up correctly. Check the fusible link in the trunk and the post connections as J stated.

[stinkydriverx]

First make sure that the battery cables and posts are clean and tight.

Using a test light or voltmeter, check to see if power is being applied to the starter solenoid lug when the key is turned to start. If power is applied in Start and you don't hear the solenoid click the starter is the likely suspect.

Battery cables are all clean and tight.
I used the voltmeter earlier. It says the starter is getting all 12.6 when i try to crank it.

It's odd that the lights don't light up correctly. Check the fusible link in the trunk and the post connections as J stated.

I thought that was odd too. Ill go check the link.

[stinkydriverx]

I Just went out to the garage and double checked everything.
I came across a Blown fuse i Didn't see in the fuse box.
I don't know what fuse it was since i don't have the fuse sticker.
But it was a brown 7.5A 32v.
Replaced it.
Cluster lights all worked.
Car fired right up.
So basically a 50c fusecost me one of my 4 free tows. haha.
Thanks for all the input guys!

[Philo]

Glad to hear you got it running. I just had a midnight thought and was coming back to tell you that the only other thing I could think of (other than the standard fuse) is a fried DME.

Keep on keepin on.