Ignition switch trouble!!!

paulhagedorn · 08-20-2001, 01:03 PM

I think I need a new ignition switch for the car...a 1973. The car will get power to everything and then when I try to start it, when the key is in the start position, the fuel pump will run, but the starter will not turn over. Every now and then it works, but it has gotten worse with time. Also, every now and then now, it seems like power is lost for half a second.

I am pretty sure it is the ignition switch and not the starter. The starter works fine when it does spin.

Thanks for your help!!!

Paul

mejulihn · mejulihn's Garage

Could be a bad starter solenoid. I would start there.

toman · toman's Garage

I have been having the exact same problem for the past few months, off and on. I finally got it fixed though, and I think it was a combination of things. The ignition switch was bad, but the end problem turned out to be some bad splices on the battery cables, from when the PO had moved the battery to the trunk. So I guess my point is to look at all the really simple things first, like ground connections, battery terminals, etc. before you do any replacing of parts.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Probably some of the circuitry that goes between the battery, ground, the switch, and the solenoid. Check Jim Thorusen's article to help isolate it:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_starter_diag/mult_starter_diag.htm

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

Mark Howard · 08-20-2001, 06:47 PM

Same thing happened to me. Check the wireing harness plug that goes into the ignition switch behind the steering column. There should be 3 plugs, check the one directly behind the key hole. Mine was just a little loose, pushed it back in and it works fine.

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Mark Howard
'88 Carrera
'62 356/B
'75 914 1.8 resto

jabez · 08-21-2001, 05:40 AM

Sounds like a switch to me. Same symptoms with my 74. After I installed the jumper in the seat belt warning relay and still had the same problem, I replaced the switch. Mine would do everything while the key was turned in the "start" position but roll the starter. If I wiggled the key, it would start. The switch is inexpensive and easy to replace.

GS