While I had my pod off for restoration, I took the opportunity to remove the push button start installed by the PO, and repair the wires, and install a new ignition switch. Tried to test it today, and I get nothing but a click in the CE when I turn the key.

My question: Is it possible that something be broken in the keylock housing / mechanism, that will prevent the ignition switch from working.

This is exactly what was happening when I first got the car running, and found that the push button start the PO had under the dash was broken. Once I replaced it, she started fine. Now that it is wired properly, nothing....

Any Ideas?

 

Ron,
Remove the electrical switch from the key side and use a screwdriver to turn the electrical switch. If that works OK, you know where the problem lies.
Dave

 

Seems like someone may have done more to your car, since you shouldn't even have a start relay on the CE panel? - if you do have a relay in position XV what is it?

Or of course it could just be the solenoid itself clicking...

Where was the new starter switch from? - a good reliable source for OEM parts? Some eBay Chinese knock-offs will work OK on a later car with a real starter isolation relay but not on one that sees the full solenoid current (like yours!).

It could also be mechanical in the key linkage

Alan

 

Some push button start switches require you to actually cut the yellow wire going to the starter from the ignition switch i.e. ones goes to one side of the switch and the other from the relay output (usually pin #87). Removal of the system the PO installed would therefore require you to re-connect the two ends of the yellow wire as Dr FP intended.

 

Dave,

Thanks I will try that!

Alan,

I have a bridge instead of a relay, I just hear clicking in the CE when the key is turned all the way to start, and release...FP relay perhaps?
I bought the ign. Switch 2 years ago..I think it came from pelican, can't remember for sure, but I have the invoice somewhere....I wondered if something is broken in the mechanical portion...Dave's method should confirm that or not.

Fred- that is exactly how it was cut and patched in. I repaired the wiring, soldering the wires together, and heat shrinking.....then re taped the loom.....I guess I'll tear back into that, if Dave's trick does not work.

Thanks!

 

30/87 Bridge is correct - part # 928.615.125.00 (embossed on it). The ECU relays should engage on ignition - not start. But some relays may drop out again during starting (for power saving) - so a click (but just one)

If you hear repeated clicking your battery is just too discharged to start

Alan

 

Nope, single click on and then off when key released. Same thing that has always happened when I turn the key and didn't press the start button. I sure didn't expect the same thing once the ignition switch was changed tho. I assumed the push button was put in due to a faulty ignition switch, not something more sinister.

The yellow wire was cut very close to the switch plug....if it was the switch, the PO could have easily replaced it vs rigging.....I wish the car could talk, and tell me about her past life!

I'm 99.99% that I repaired the wires correctly. If the key switch is broken, what's involved in pulling that out? I have an '84 parts car sitting in the yard....