1975 280z wont turn over

[RoCa]

My 1975 280z (automatic) does not turn over with a good battery and good fuses. Whenever it used to do this problem, it would start on neutral. Everytime i turn the key, I can hear a something engaging by the glove box and I think that might be one of the pumps? I'm not sure what is causing this but I've done some research that it has to be linked to the neutral safety switch? Can someone please confirm or give any feedback? I just recently had the head gasket replaced from being blown and I cant wait to get her back on the road! Thanks so much!

[ZohanIsBack]

Your starter relay could be going out. It should be located on the passenger side under the glove box on the wall to the right, I believe. It is a square box and you can feel it click when you turn the key.

However, I think the more likely option is the starter solenoid or starter teeth. When you turn the key, have someone stand near the engine bay and listen to whether it is coming from the engine bay or inside the car. If it's coming from the engine bay, it's probably the starter. You can test this by having someone tap on the starter with a hammer while you turn the key. If it starts right up, it is probably the starter solenoid getting gummed up. The solenoid engages the starter and slides the teeth forward into the flywheel/ring gear. Since you mentioned that putting the car in neutral initially helped solve the problem, my bet is almost certainly on a bad starter teeth or worn ring gear. Or a bad solenoid.

If tapping on the starter does nothing while attempting to start the car AND the sound is coming from inside the car, it is almost certainly the starter relay.

Replace parts as needed and drive on!

[RoCa]

Your starter relay could be going out. It should be located on the passenger side under the glove box on the wall to the right, I believe. It is a square box and you can feel it click when you turn the key.

However, I think the more likely option is the starter solenoid or starter teeth. When you turn the key, have someone stand near the engine bay and listen to whether it is coming from the engine bay or inside the car. If it's coming from the engine bay, it's probably the starter. You can test this by having someone tap on the starter with a hammer while you turn the key. If it starts right up, it is probably the starter solenoid getting gummed up. The solenoid engages the starter and slides the teeth forward into the flywheel/ring gear. Since you mentioned that putting the car in neutral initially helped solve the problem, my bet is almost certainly on a bad starter teeth or worn ring gear. Or a bad solenoid.

If tapping on the starter does nothing while attempting to start the car AND the sound is coming from inside the car, it is almost certainly the starter relay.

Replace parts as needed and drive on!

Thanks so much for replying! Another Z owner from another forum suggested that I do this and she fired right up!

"Hmmm.... you said that it used to start in neutral?

Just a thought, but have you tried to jiggle the gear selector lever as you turn the key?

Sometimes, if the gear selector doesn't hit the contacts just right, or if they're a little oxidized, it'll do that. "

Would you happen to know what exactly is causing this? Thanks again ZohanIsBack!

[ZohanIsBack]

Ah, the neutral safety switch is the problem. It makes sure you can't start the car in gear. Only park or neutral. You can get a new one online (try rock auto), or you can clean your existing one. Grab a service manual, all the knowledge you need to service the switch is there.