Starter Interrupt Relay on '78
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Starter Interrupt Relay on '78
I'm working on a '78 for my father in-law. We put a crate motor in it recently. I just got the engine to the point of starting. I was going to bump the starter to get to TDC on #1 cylinder to set the timing. Nothing happens when I turn the key. No click. Nothing. The starter is wired correctly and I have a new hot battery.
I did a lot of searches here and learned a bunch about this type of problem. It seems as though the starter interrupt relay could be the problem. My question is can I bypass this relay or simply disconnect it to get the starter to crank? Your thoughts and input please.
More information - the car has a manual transmission and I have been trying to start it in neutral.
I did a lot of searches here and learned a bunch about this type of problem. It seems as though the starter interrupt relay could be the problem. My question is can I bypass this relay or simply disconnect it to get the starter to crank? Your thoughts and input please.
More information - the car has a manual transmission and I have been trying to start it in neutral.
Last edited by Street Rat; Feb 20, 2016 at 07:47 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/Vi...4_015734_1.png
This is a schematic of that circuit I think. Wish I could help further. You would need to bypass the purple wire, but IDK where the anti-theft relay is in the car.
This is a schematic of that circuit I think. Wish I could help further. You would need to bypass the purple wire, but IDK where the anti-theft relay is in the car.
Last edited by SH-60B; Feb 20, 2016 at 08:39 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
it could possibly be the neutral safety switch, which on a manual car is mounted on the clutch pedal under the dash i believe. you can jumper it out or it may just need adjusting. should have a purple and yellow wire...just an idea... dont believe there were any factory starter interrupt relays for the alarm system in 78
Last edited by speedreed8; Feb 20, 2016 at 10:06 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
Clutch safety switch. Clutch pedal must be pushed to the floor even if the trans is in neutral to engage the starter. The switch is off a rod connected to the clutch pedal arm under the dash and as said above, you can bypass it if it's faulty by jumping the two wire connector that it plugs in to. It has nothing to do with the clutch itself or clutch adjustment. It's just the position of the clutch pedal arm under the dash that operates the switch.
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Feb 20, 2016 at 10:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
The schematic pretty much shows me what I need to know. Thanks for the link. Looks like I can bypass the interrupt easily enough.
I have tried starting it with the clutch pedal down. No go.
I have bypassed the neutral safety switch . The purple and yellow wires. No go.
Yes the '78 that I am working on does have the starter interrupt relay.
Thanks for the quick input everyone.
I have tried starting it with the clutch pedal down. No go.
I have bypassed the neutral safety switch . The purple and yellow wires. No go.
Yes the '78 that I am working on does have the starter interrupt relay.
Thanks for the quick input everyone.
