4000S intermittent no start

[Kneale Brownson]

Check the condition/contact point for the little wire to the starter.  My
200q20v had a badly corroded wire end and the wire well up into the harness
was all "green" instead of the proper nice coppery color.  The insulation
on the wire itself (not the sleeve the wire goes through) is loose and
corrosion works its way up the wire inside the insulation.

At 02:38 PM 7/6/2004 -0400, Mike Arman wrote:
>
>
>My friend Linda K appeals to the collective for some troubleshooting advice 
>on her 1985 4000S. (Automatic)
>
>Car shows intermittent no-start.
>
>We know the gearshift lockout switch is incorrectly adjusted, because it 
>will start and move in 1st and reverse (when it starts). Where is this 
>switch? Under the car? Inside the console? I need to go look at it.
>
>I've asked her how many keys she has on the ignition key ring - answer is 
>three, so the ignition switch is not a prime suspect.
>
>I'm thinking starter (if this has an integral solenoid) because when it 
>doesn't start, there's nothing - no click, just silence. If she comes back 
>"later" which can be a few hours or a few days, away it goes, and it runs
well.
>
>One "mechanic" thinks it is "the computer" - but he's shotgunning while 
>she's paying the bills.
>
>I've told her to try this - next time it doesn't start, turn on the 
>headlights and try again - if the lights stay bright, she's got a problem 
>in the switch, lockout switch, or solenoid - if the lights get dim, it is 
>the starter motor.
>
>Anything else or anywhere else I should be looking?
>
>
>Best Regards,
>Mike Arman
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