M5OD swap doesn't start at random times

[yostyexplorer94]

I swapped my a4ld for an m5od recently. Has anyone had any problems with it starting using the stock automatic computer? I have had it not turn over the starter twice. The first time I unplugged the battery for ten minutes and that fixed it for about a week.

It happened again today. I didn't push the clutch in when I turned the key to the start position. So I pushed the clutch in and it still wouldn't start. I ended up pop starting it and drove it to work. When I got to work, I shut it off and it fired back up again like nothing was wrong.

Everything is wired up right. I just find it weird how it does it randomly.

I didn't wire up the solenoids off the automatic trans or use resisters in their place. I wonder if that could have anything to do with it?

Anybody have any issues like this with a m5od swap using the auto computer?

 

[rickybobby]

I did the swap in a 97 with no starting issues from the auto computer. It sounds like there is a possibility of a bad starter, was it new or used?

 

[yostyexplorer94]

Brand new. The starter is good.

When it acts up it doesn't even put power to the starter solenoid. I turn the ignition to the run position, hear the fuel pump turn on, then turn to the start position, and it does nothing no clicks or anything. It's like the clutch isn't pushed in but it is. I never had an issue like this when I had the automatic so I know its something related to the computer not playing nice with this or a bad ground. Something stupid probably.

I originally thought it was my wiring so I triple checked everything.

I guess I could just wire a push button switch to the starter solenoid so if this happens I can still get it running if I don't have room to pop start it.

I will try to start it again today without pushing the clutch in and see if that is what is making it not turn the starter over when I do push the clutch in. It might be tripping something in the computer with the clutch not engaged so when I do push it in it won't let it turn the starter until the computer resets? Any thoughts or am I crazy? ha

 

[yostyexplorer94]

I tried to start it today without pushing the clutch in to see if that is what was causing the issue. Obviously it won't start without the clutch engaged, but sure enough when I pushed in the clutch and then tried to start it, it did nothing.
It's like the auto computer gets confused when the clutch position switch is open. Possibly because it was always in the closed position when the automatic was in there with the clutch position sensor jumper?

 

[rickybobby]

that circuit is completly indipendant of the ecm, it may be in your clutch position sensor though, or in the fender mount solenoid, or the ignition switch

 

[yostyexplorer94]

I didn't know that was an independant circuit from the ecm and here I am pointing fingers at it! I am going to try the ignition switch first because it needs replaced anyways. If that doesn't fix it, I will try the clutch position sensor. It was a used one that I snagged off a 90 ranger that I scrapped. Thanks for your help and I will keep you updated.

 

[yostyexplorer94]

The ignition switch was the problem.

 

[yostyexplorer94]

The ignition switch wasn't the problem. It worked great for about 3 weeks. Then it acted up again and I had to pop start it.

I fixed the problem buy wiring up a switch and a push button to a fused positive, directly to the solenoid.

Now if it gives me fits, all I gotta do is flip a switch on, press a button, engine starts, and shut the switch off. The switch is just in case someone gets in and says, "what does this button do?" as they press it while it's running!

Simple and it works every time I need it!