Starting up

[Cokeaholic]

My car stopped starting the other day and i can't figure out why. the symptoms are as follows:

-The voltage meter doesn't move down a volt when starting (like it used to)
-when the key is turned in the ignition, the radio's display dies so i know that is probably not the problem
-the car starter motor doesn't turn over even though the battery level is fine
-I took a screw driver to the solenoid to start it that way and the starter motor just spun but it didn't sound like it was spinning the flywheel

any suggestions?

oh the engine is a carbureted 1.7 ltr. if that helps at all

[karlp]

You know, the usual-
Clean your battery posts
clean your grounding points
clean the connections on the solenoid

try again with the screw driver across the solenoid post. You want to connect a path from the top conection, where the battery cable hooks up, to the spade connector that carries juice from your relay board. The solenoid, as its function, will send battery power to the starter motor after the solenoid has kicked the gear forward to engage the flywheel.
{{ You should probably make sure the vehicle is out of gear before trying this. }}



Sounds like you may have an ignition switch problem. Have you got lots of keys hanging off that 30 year old switch?

Karl

[914gem]

My first, mayby second 914 had that same problem. I mounted a push button switch under the dash and would push it with my knee. I would turn the key, put both hands on the wheel and say, car start. My friends thought it was neat until they figured it out.

[Cokeaholic]

Ok well now it's starting up if i use the screw driver method from the solenoid, but i went under the dash and unplugged the ignition wires and i couldn't get it to start that way, so i doubt it's the switch. on the other hand, i could get the gas flowing using it... So i'm a bit confused on aas what to try next. suggestions still greatly accepted