Iva wrote on 8/31/2004 15:52:

In my case, I doubt it. I had an ignition key problem with my motorcycle,
and it was obvious there, with it working after wiggling the key.
With the Miata, wiggling the key doesn't change anything.
It also happens rather rarely, but unpredictably.
I suspect the flywheel or solenoid. I hear the click that the OP described
when I turn the key and when I disengage the clutch.
One of the members in the club who had the same problem before said:
"When we pulled the transmission out to replace the clutch, there were
several worn teeth on it.  We theorize that every so often those teeth would
stop on top of the starter teeth and fail to make a mechanical link.  This
theory was supported by the fact that when I experienced the problem, I
found that all I had to do was put the car in gear, push it a few feet and
release the clutch, effectively turning the flywheel about 90 degrees, and
the car would start right up."

-Joe

Your reply got me thinking, so I went and kept wiggling switch -- ta da! it
started. Switch allowed momentary contact. Thank you, your post helped me
immensely!

I have a bad ignition switch. While waiting for the new one, we removed it and
cleaned the contacts. It is working for now.  However, my symptoms were this:
The car would crank, but never start.  Didn't hear just the "click". hmmm

Got mine from Trussville through miata.net for under $90, which included
shipping.  Only took about 45 minutes, total, to install and it solved the
whole problem.

Good luck.

--
Iva & Belle.)
'90B Classic Red.)
#3 winkin' Miata