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ignition switch, On but no starter at all times

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J

Jerry

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I am sure this is a switch problem but I will ask your opinions anyway. The car turns ON, but the next step to Start the car does not always work. IE: It is working about 50% of the time. If you turn the key back and forth, it eventually causes the starter to turn. Sometimes, it requires about 4-6 times to get it to start, sometimes it starts right up. I have checked all the connections at the starter, and felt the connections at the switch, but can't really see them because of the foam dash pad. This is a NEW switch and key from Mini mania about 3000 miles ago.
So, clean it or replace it?

Jerry
Mk11 68 mini
 
Before giving up on the switch, disconnect the white/red wire from the starter solenoid and hook a voltmeter between that wire and ground. Put the meter where you can see it from the driver's seat. Turn the switch to the start position and see if the meter displays battery voltage. Repeat this several times and take note of whether or not the meter shows battery voltage each time the key is held to "start".

If the meter only shows battery voltage some of the time, you probably have an intermittent connection in the switch. If the meter shows battery voltage each time the key is turned to start, check the solenoid itself and make sure the solenoid has a good clean earth connection through its mounting foot.
 
The wire tests OK. 12.4 volts. and I have not been able to get the starter to fail since I pulled the wire off. While I was testing, I also tested the voltage to the distributor, and that was only 11.6 v. Lost a volt somewhere!!! weird.
I am going to go back and check the ground to the solenoid also.

The car had a stumble that mostly showed up at idle. After lots of testing, I changed the spark plugs and all fixed. Such simple stuff, working on our cars.
 
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