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Re: Won't start by itself
Earlier, gregsj@mail.imm.com wrote:
>
>Greg described a problem of the starter not engaging when he turned the
>key ... I've deleted his text because it was a garbaged mess of 84
>character lines.
There are three possible trouble points causing this - in order of
ease of fixing:
1) The spade connector on the starter solenoid where the wire
from the ignition switch plugs on. Make sure this is clean
and tight! maybe even put on a new spade end if it's loose.
2) The ignition switch contacts for the starter may be worn.
The fix is to replace the electrical switch part of the
ingition switch.
3) The starter solenoid may be marginal, such that it sticks
when it's hot, and then needs extra current to cause it to
pull in. I've seen this a number of times with Bosch
starter solenoids.
A 'save your ass' bypass for this whole mess is to run an extra wire
from the starter solenoid spade connector to up by the +12V post you
use to jump start the car. Then when you are dressed in a white shirt
and suit ... and the blasted thing acts up - you open the hood and
touch the auxillary wire to the battery post: presto, it cranks!
Much better than crawling underneath to wiggle the wire on the starter
solenoid spade connector (which usually works - and gets you greasy)
While you are under the front looking at the starter solenoid, inspect the
wire that runs back to the ignition switch. I've seen these with the
insulation half melted off - if so, it's time to cut the bad part out
and replace it.
- Charlie
Charlie Smith charlie@elektro.cmhnet.org 614-471-1418
Columbus, Ohio USA
4 wheeled fleet: 2 wheeled fleet:
_________________________ _________________________
86 5kCSTQ 92 Ducati 851SP 851cc
69 Porsche 911S 3,200cc 95 BMW R100-RT 1,000cc
81 VW Diesel Pickup 81 BMW R80G/S Turbo 800cc
62 BMW R27 250cc