How can I start my car from Engine Bay

[Skip1]

'84 3.2 Li Carrera Targa - Over the last week, while troubleshooting a no spark (resolved now, thanks to fellow Pelicans), I wondered if there was no way to get the engine to crank and start directly from the engine bay, vice fighting to turn the key in the driver's seat and not being able to see what was going on in the bay without a helper. I noted some other Pelicans found some pretty interesting solutions, but am thinking, there has to be a better way, linking to the electrical systems in the left rear corner where the 14 pin harness comes in. Has anyone tried / figured this out? What a find that would be for us mere mortals. Thanks in advance.

[stlrj]

On the 14 pin harness, you should be able to find the solid yellow wire, circuit #50, that goes to the starter. Tap into that wire with 12 volts and watch the engine turn over.

[fred cook]

Go to your local auto parts store and buy a remote starter switch. You will have to jack up the rear of the car to be able to access the starter. Clip one connector to the large +12v terminal and the other to the small term that has the yellow wire attached. To make it easier, make up a short piece of wire with a connector on one end that will slip on the starter term and another one on the other end to clip the remote starter to. Turn the ignition on and press the remote starter switch. The engine should turn over and start.

[gamin]

What fred cook said. I wouldn't mess with the 14 pin connector. Ever seen one fall apart?

[boyt911sc]

+1!!!! That's exactly how you bench test a starter by jumpering the two (2) terminals with 12 volts power booster. A remote starter like this is highly recommended.



With the starter installed in the engine bay, you need access to the starter's terminals. Clip the remote starter's wires or a suitable jumper and turn the ignition switch to ON position. Be reminded that you need fully charged battery and the engine reguires good ground contact to the chassis. Keep us posted.

Tony

[Skip1]

Will have to check into where I can find such a remote starter system (thanks also to sitrj for the 14 pin harness yellow wire (that's what the mech I talked to eluded to I think also).

I don't actually need it now, but would have been good last week to determine whether I had spark when the car wouldn't start (was a dead reference sensor in the end)).

I think a tool like this is definitely worth adding to the tool box. Shopping I go. Thanks.

[mreid]

Also, make sure the tranny is in neutral!!!!

I have a friend who will remain nameless that used a remote switch like the one above to start his reproduction cobra and it damn near ran him over when he left it in first gear.

[stlrj]

Originally Posted by gamin

What fred cook said. I wouldn't mess with the 14 pin connector. Ever seen one fall apart?

I know what you mean about messing with the 14 pin connector and having it come apart in your hands. But what I recommend is stripping back the black insulating tape behind the connector to find the yellow wire, solder a pigtail on to it, tape it back up so you end up with a very convenient place to connect your remote start switch.

[Skip1]

I'll take a look at my connector to see what it looks like. I have disconnected it multiple times for engine drop and it seems quite solid. Not sure I'd dare actually slide it apart. Which side of the plug would you solder, harness side or engine side?

[Bob Harriman]

Not sure if the later models are different but a LWB (69-73) has a yellow wire on the left side wall near the voltage regulator that's not connected to anything and when touched to the positive rear post above the rear fuse block, activates the starter and with the key on starts the car. YES, make sure it's not in gear with the E-brake on.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Skip1

'84 3.2 Li Carrera Targa - Over the last week, while troubleshooting a no spark (resolved now, thanks to fellow Pelicans), I wondered if there was no way to get the engine to crank and start directly from the engine bay, vice fighting to turn the key in the driver's seat and not being able to see what was going on in the bay without a helper. I noted some other Pelicans found some pretty interesting solutions, but am thinking, there has to be a better way, linking to the electrical systems in the left rear corner where the 14 pin harness comes in. Has anyone tried / figured this out? What a find that would be for us mere mortals. Thanks in advance.

My 78 Ignition switch not only engages the starter solenoid it has a separate starting position contact/circuit that powers the fuel pump simultaneously...