Ignition key trouble

[Sportsdoc]

First click activates the electrical components, but next click will not activate the starter. Can push button on the solenoid and start the car. I suspect I need a new switch. Any ideas?

 

[jlaird]

Either that or you have a bad connection. Can you short the switch ie hotwire to start?

 

[blkcorvair]

push button can be added but you must have the key on and off normally to activate alt circuit kill circuit and the like.

 

[Sportsdoc]

What I meant by push button was that I can push the button on the solenoid and it will activate the starter. Turning the key switch will not activate the starter.

 

[racingenglishcars]

Dead switch
Broken electrical connection to the solenoid
Dead solenoid

Does the solenoid click when you turn the switch?
If yes, just dirty internal contacts. But I doubt that, because it starts when you push it.

Since it will start with the ignition switch on, then the switch is getting battery power.

See first three suggestions.

 

[blkcorvair]

Gotya, Seen those solenoids before, Just push the back in. Dunno about these LBC starters though. Never looked...

 

[spritenut]

Check the white/red wire from the back of the key to the small terminal on the solenoid. Or run a piece of wire to replace it, that will at least tell you whether it's the key or a wiring problem. It could be the solenoid too, it has to be grounded for that white/red wire to engage the contacts.

 

[Sportsdoc]

The solenoid is not grounded at present as I am in the process of making a new bracket. I had to replace the rusted out heater/battery plate and the new plate did not have the solenoid bracket. I was wondering if that could be a problem.