Starting issue...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,021
Likes: 2
Starting issue...
I've got a starting issue, fellas. '85 4+3.
After letting my car set overnight, I can go out and start it. No problems. If I drive it for say, 2 or 3 miles, it will start right up. No problem.
If I drive it for 15 or so miles and get it up to temp, she won't start with the ignition switch. I have to put it in neutral with the e-brake on, pop the hood and jump across the terminals on the solenoid. She fires right up.
Even if I let it set for 3 or 4 hours, sometimes I still have to jump across the solenoid.
I decided to have a look at it today. Found the main stud threads on the solenoid (where the battery cable goes) were stripped. I put a new solenoid put on, and no start. I jump across the terminals and she fires. I let her get to temp(200*), shut her down, and she starts with the ignition.
I drive home (15 or so miles) and shut her down. Turn the ignition and she fires. I hit the ignition again, but don't start her, just spin the starter. The third time I try, nothing.
When this happens, there is no noise. No relay, no starter clicking, etc.
What the he!! is going on? Any ideas?
TIA,
Mitch
After letting my car set overnight, I can go out and start it. No problems. If I drive it for say, 2 or 3 miles, it will start right up. No problem.
If I drive it for 15 or so miles and get it up to temp, she won't start with the ignition switch. I have to put it in neutral with the e-brake on, pop the hood and jump across the terminals on the solenoid. She fires right up.
Even if I let it set for 3 or 4 hours, sometimes I still have to jump across the solenoid.
I decided to have a look at it today. Found the main stud threads on the solenoid (where the battery cable goes) were stripped. I put a new solenoid put on, and no start. I jump across the terminals and she fires. I let her get to temp(200*), shut her down, and she starts with the ignition.
I drive home (15 or so miles) and shut her down. Turn the ignition and she fires. I hit the ignition again, but don't start her, just spin the starter. The third time I try, nothing.
When this happens, there is no noise. No relay, no starter clicking, etc.
What the he!! is going on? Any ideas?
TIA,
Mitch
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Possibly some resistance issue in the soleniod circut some place. I would work my way back in the system. When the problem occurs, check for power and ground to the starter soloniod and starter both. if your not geting power to the solonoid, check the next connection inline which maybe the relay. I'd get a diagram to work off. I take it if you are jumping the soleniod and she starts, then I would work my way back and see where you do get power. and where you lose it in the series.
-=Rick
-=Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Most likely your ignition switch contacts are worn and not allowing enough current to operate the starter solenoid reliably. If you can crank it every time by jumping the starter solenoid, then that eliminates the battery cable connections. I don't know if the 85 has a clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic), but if it does, try jumping it and starting it every day several times.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,021
Likes: 2
Replacing the ignition switch was the FIRST thing I fixed on the car when I got it! 
And I have already checked the clutch safety switch(one of the other first things I did). It is good.
Today, after I replaced the solenoid and she wouldn't start, I put a voltmeter on the switch terminal of the starter. I was getting around 7.x volts there when turning the switch. Yes that is low, but I think the voltmeter on the dash was only showing 10.xx. When I jump across the solenoid, I have PLENTY of battery to start.
I do have a service manual, but this thing is starting to pizz me off. I have followed the troubleshooting section, and always wind up with replace starter. If I can jump across the solenoid and it spins, the starter is not bad.
And I have already checked the clutch safety switch(one of the other first things I did). It is good. Today, after I replaced the solenoid and she wouldn't start, I put a voltmeter on the switch terminal of the starter. I was getting around 7.x volts there when turning the switch. Yes that is low, but I think the voltmeter on the dash was only showing 10.xx. When I jump across the solenoid, I have PLENTY of battery to start.
I do have a service manual, but this thing is starting to pizz me off. I have followed the troubleshooting section, and always wind up with replace starter. If I can jump across the solenoid and it spins, the starter is not bad.
Last edited by nitronick; May 13, 2005 at 09:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,021
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by jfb
Most likely your ignition switch contacts are worn and not allowing enough current to operate the starter solenoid reliably.
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If you measure 7 volts on the starter terminal, also measure the voltage on the starter wire out of the ignition switch. If it is also 7 volts, then measure the voltage on the input wire on the starter switch too. Somewhere 5 volts is being dropped by resistance. If there is 7 volts on the starter switch input, you might have a poor connection on the firewall connector that brings 12v into the car. If you have 12v on the starter switch output only, then you might have poor connection on the same firewall connector that takes power back out of the car and to the starter solenoid terminal.
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