tbittner

The car has been sitting for a few years. I put a new battery in it and the lights all come on but when I try to start it, it doesn't even click. It's almost like the ignition signal isn't even getting to the starter. I talked with a couple other people and they suggested that it might be a bad solenoid. Any other suggestions?

James Bailey

Rarely is a bad solenoid. Is it automatic if so neutral safety switch ? , starter relay ? , possibly bad ignition switch the electrical part. The front engine wire harness 13 pin connector, wires not attached to starter......

tbittner

It's a five speed manual. I'll check those things. I thought that maybe mice chewed through a wire somewhere. Thanks!

Mrmerlin

you did clean the ground point at the hatch area this is a common fail point and your ground strap may also be bad to test it put a battery jumper cable on the negative terminal then connect the other end to one of the shock bolt nuts then turn the key.
NOTE leave the ground strap connected

Also check the 14 pin connector under the hood by the shock tower if its been getting wet i will bet it has corroded.

Barry Chan

A while back when i had my ignition problem, it was the switch, i was told to jump the relay and it works, hope this help.

tbittner

OK. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out the wiring tomorrow and hopefully it will be something simple.