Ok I just bought this car with 133K and didn't have any starting problems during the test drive or even the day after I picked it up but din't notice after that it wouldnt crank click or anything until the third try then it started right up. Day later I got stranded from that issue. Figuring it was the starter I went ahead and changed it out and after seeing it was the original starter I figured for sure it was it. Well after all that work still nothing. Battery is fully charged and everything works in the car. How do you diagnose whether it's a ignition switch which I don't think it is because I push started and started and drove it so maybe something with the clutch? Please help my wife is frustrated with me.

Maybe it's the switch on the clutch that won't let it start until it's pushed. Is sticking.

It could still be the ignition switch. The switch could supply power to ignition in the run position but not to the starter in the start position.

It could also be a bad/intermittent ground. There's one in the engine compartment and another in the rear.

Well I ordered one because if I turn the key to the start position and release it, it will not let me turn it to the start position again unless I turn it off then I can turn it to the start position. Hopefully this is it....I tell you that starter was a pita to change!

Thats normal functioning. Don’t ask me why they designed it that way or why they designed a lot of stuff the way they did.

ok thanks! What about the radio? I can turn mine on without the key on, is that normal?

Yes

Thanks learned something else new. Got another one for you, My car has a armrest that I’ve never seen before and looks like a long paddle. It needs to be recovered but haven’t looked into taking it apart yet. But I haven’t seen another one like it. Have you?

Post a pic. Not sure if you are referring to a stock or after market rest.

Appears to be after market. I would look for a replacement.

well last night I took off the bottom column cover and wiggled the ignition sw and the car started right up. Hurray!! I do have a new one coming and still going to replace it but is that a tell-tale sign it’s bad or could it had been loose? All I did was push Ed on the plug.

That looks like the Arm Rest from an R50. Mine looked just like that, pealing and all...

Could be just a loose connection. I would try and tighten up the plug connectors and clean the switch side. Never hurts to replace it though.