Starter Problem

[mark D]

My 75S just developed a new problem. When I turn the ignition on, I get nothing, no clicks nothing. Lights are bright, battery is good, it will start with push. Any ideas?. Starter or solenoid?. Help

[911pcars]

Do the headlights dim when the ignition is in the start position? If not, you might have a battery connection issue. Check cable connections to battery and ground - all of them.

If the headlights dim, this confirms the battery connections are okay. At this point, it could be something in the ignition switch circuit or in the starter motor itself.

Sherwood

[tim_fogelsong]

Does the key turn all the way to the start position? I often have to cycle my key switch several times on my 76S before the key will turn all the way to the spring-loaded start position. There is a safety mechanism in the lock which precludes the switch from turning to the start position more than once per cycle. This is meant to keep the starter from being engaged while the engine is running. When this mechanism wears out, it often keeps the lock from being turned all the way to start. Some postings on this board indicate that this mechanism is in the plug-in electrical switch but I believe this to be incorrect -- it is in the lock. There is a thread on this board which show a repair procedure.

[limble]

I had a similar problem and it was my starter/solenoid. I replaced them both figuring that they both had the same amount of miles on them. Starters are pretty easy to remove. Be careful removing the barrel nuts on the starter. Barrel nuts use and internal rather than an external hex. They can be a ***** to remove if they are stripped.

[911pcars]

Yes. A starter solenoid can go bad. So can a battery ground strap. It's always better to confirm a malfunctioning part before replacing it.

Sherwood

[psalt]

Mark,

I have seen this many times. Before doing anything, I suggest putting the battery on a charger for a few minutes prior to attempting a start. If this works 100% of the time, you do not need to replace anything. Check the voltage at the small yellow wire at the starter while someone turns the key. Sometimes it is just a combination of a few minor voltage drops along the way. Then check and clean all the connections and the grounds.