Starter Problem?

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spederman85

Starter Problem?

Post by spederman85 »

I have a 1980 that has starter troubles when I turn the ignition. When I turn the key, sometimes the starter engages immediately, turns the engine and she starts right up.

Sometimes, it will crank over 1 time and then stop with as sound of clicking. When I try again, she will either do it again or start right up. On occasion, she will just click when I turn the ignition.

As the battery was not taking a full charge, I replaced it. This seemed to help, but it still acts up on occasion.

Any ideas for what is causing this?
Thanks
jimincalif
Posts: 410
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:43 am
Your car is a: 1980 FI Spider
Location: Lake Forest, CA

Re: Starter Problem?

Post by jimincalif »

I also have a 1980.

behind the alternator are two inline wire connectors, one on the red wire to the starter solenoid, one on the brown wire from the starter positive lug, going to the ignition switch. Open these up and clean both sides, spread the male pin open some so that they have clean tight connections. Or cut them out and solder the wires. This took care of 90% of my no-starts.

Also open up the white block connector behind the ignition switch, make sure all the terminals are clean.

I still had the occasional hesitation in cranking, which I believe was the ignition switch. I installed a starter relay, (bought at Radio Shack) so that the only current running thru the ignition is to close the relay. It has been 100% since then.
1980 FI Spider
spederman85

Re: Starter Problem?

Post by spederman85 »

Thanks for the tips. I will give it a try. Sure beats replacing the starter, which from review of some of the posts, looks like it could be a eal pain.
Thanks again!
jimincalif wrote:I also have a 1980.

behind the alternator are two inline wire connectors, one on the red wire to the starter solenoid, one on the brown wire from the starter positive lug, going to the ignition switch. Open these up and clean both sides, spread the male pin open some so that they have clean tight connections. Or cut them out and solder the wires. This took care of 90% of my no-starts.

Also open up the white block connector behind the ignition switch, make sure all the terminals are clean.

I still had the occasional hesitation in cranking, which I believe was the ignition switch. I installed a starter relay, (bought at Radio Shack) so that the only current running thru the ignition is to close the relay. It has been 100% since then.
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