I bought a 2002 R50 for my teenage daughter a few weeks ago and its a really cool car. Unfortunately, I stalled it in reverse at start up. Now when attempting to engage the ignition, it won't turn over or click. Everything else works that requires power. I was stranded and it would push start to get it home. Any thoughts?

 

Dead or dying battery. Check that 1st.

 

Then....
A car with a bad starter, bad ews (antitheft) system, or clutch interlock switch can cause similar issues...
But battery is most likely...volts may be fine...but not enough smps.

 

Thanks for the fast responses. Put it on a trickle charger for 6 hours and still nothing. The chime works when the key is in the ignition. Even tried jumping it and nothing when the key is turned to the start position. Thoughts?

 

Clutch pedal CLEAR to the firewall? Not knowing your driving history it is easy for those unfamiliar with manual gearboxes to forget about that pesky clutch. I've seen it happen, helped by suggesting just that to a guy once who couldn't get his son's car to start. Also, if that battery is over three years old I'd give it vote of no confidence.

 

Yeah, it goes all the way in. I've had the car for a few weeks and have been doing minor repairs to get it roadworthy. This started after stalling it in reverse. The battery is 2 years old. Arizona conditions are horrible on batteries. They usually last 2 years. After a full charge from a charger, No noise when turned over. After hooking it up with jumper cables, Nothing???? Starter Relay????

 

Zip mentioned the clutch interlock which would be worth investigating and the relay could certainly be a contributor. I've been scratching my head trying to get it around the reverse gear stall evolution having anything to do with it though.

 

The "ding" when you put the key in should means the ews is OK....
Try anything old school....like hitting the starter with a hammer? Heck...check the grounds...lots of corrosion could cause issues...always like to do the simple, easy, cheap(free stuff) first...

 

So, here's the update. Yesterday after consulting a wiring diagram. I checked all the fuses that pertain to starting, charging, interlock and clutch switch. They were all good. Then backed the car out of the garage to try jumping again, this time with my Silverado. i realized that the previous attempt was with my wives Camaro and it uses remote terminal posts under the hood. So with the cables hooked to the silver ado battery and the pos to the Mini battery and the negative to the chassis we went for it. First turn of the key nothing, back to off position and the second try it fired up. So i replaced it with a new 47 series battery with 650cca and 810 ca its still dead. Any thoughts???

 

Check the ground. Had this happen to me in my RAV4.

 

Ground is good, have 12.6V at the main starter cable connection When the key is turned I've got nothing at the solenoid.

 

Maybe the key assembly is bad....it has contacts, etc...
Try some contact cleaner?

 

Thanks Zippy. That's next on my plate.

 

So here is the latest........... Checked ignition switch function with the schematic. Everything (the fuses) has power when it should. I can also hear the clutch start module switch when the clutch is pushed in. Car will still bump start when needed, still no turn over at starter.

 

Ok, so this just happened. Checked the key signal by holy
Ding it to the cylinder and the chime started. I'm assuming the key is good and the ewc because I have a signal. So, I'm gonna tear the column apart. Try starting 1 last time and nothing. Tilt the column up to take apart and decide to try it again and VAROOM!!!!!!! There is something related to the column position and it's ability to start. Gonna sleep on this tonight. I hope to have many ideas tomorrow. Thank you all for your help and support.

 

Can it be a loose connector under the column plastic? Maybe a pinched wire... Hmmm ?

Best of luck.

 

I took the switch out and rinsed it with cleaner. It still starts in the upper positions and not in the lowest setting. Double checking the wiring.

 

Problem was the connector for the ignition switch. Disconnected the battery and bent the female terminals in a little. Packed it with dielectric grease and it works fine now. Thanks to everyone for the help. Now on to my power window problems.

 

Good to hear you figured it out!! Wow....talk about an odd thing to have happen!!