'98 2.8 no crank
 

This is a very early 1998 2.8Q5sp, well maintained with 275K on the odo. (Think I've done the tbelt four times.)

I've been ignoring it for a bit, car has been sitting in the garage since April when this happened, but I've gotta get it back on the road this week.

I get nothing when starting car.
If I bump start it, everything is normal, strong charge from alternator, battery is strong, runs like a champ.

Try to use the key and I get crickets...
Turn key to run position, lights in dash do what they're supposed to, all lite up, then start going out except for check eng and battery lites.
Turn to start position and battery light goes out (check lite stays on b/c engine doesn't turn over)

I don't think it's the ignition switch.
I have a spare switch, so pulled the steering wheel & column apart and swapped the spare in, same result.

About to see if I'm getting power to terminals on starter (if I can find my kid to help).

If no power @ terminals, then it must be a relay right? Think it's one of the ones with "204" under the dash?

If power @ starter, then is the starter toast?

Anyone have a little guidance?
Thx
Ted

With that mileage i would bet its the starter. But if you end up finding no power at the starter trigger, Dont forget the clutch switch will keep it from completing the starter circuit. As will the alarm system. The 204 relay need the clutch switch and the alarm system to energize it. I have bypassed them by stuffing a jump wire in place. Just check a wire diagram to see how. Once you jump it, then you can start the car regardless of the alarm or clutch.

Dead starter...
 

Checked all electrical stuff, no problems, plenty of voltage and trigger signal is good, so Prospeeder is right, dead starter.

Started pulling stuff apart, tight in there. Pulled front off, easy to do after a couple timing belt jobs, should've done that first. Now plenty of room and everything is out & clean, IMO way easier than pulling motor mount like some posts suggest.

Just waiting for replacement to arrive today and I'm back in biz... thanks for the assist!