TR4/4A TR4 Won't start using the ignition key !!!!!

[TR4]

My TR4 would not engage the starter using the ignition key. It would kick over for a second then nothing, but would start using the solenoid starter button with the ignition switch on so I changed the ignition switch with no improvement. I'll be working on the car this weekend again so I thought I would ask what line of attack I should prepare for. All help is appreciated.

 

[Andrew Mace]

How well/quickly does the car catch and continue running using the solenoid button? What happens if you hold the key to the START position, let the starter spin, and then let go? I'm thinking that the switch might be worn in such a way that it completely disables the ignition circuit when it's held to the START position.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Could be the solenoid... I would check it by using a jumper wire from the little terminal on the solenoid (the one the white/red wire connects to) touched to the hot side of the battery. (Carefully, will probably spark, have gearbox in neutral).

This should activate the starter, if it does then the problem would seem to be in the ignition switch or the wiring to or from it. If a hot wire to that terminal does not activate the solenoid (& starter) then the problem would seem to be the solenoid.

If the solenoid checks out okay then remove that white/red wire from the solenoid and see if it gets 12V when the ignition switch is in start position... if not, start tracing backwards to the switch itself.

 

[Banjo]

Like Geo said, test the solenoid. The problem seems to be in the control side of the solenoid. Either the internals are weak, and its not actuating like it should, or quite possibly the connection at the control wire (the little wire on the spade terminal) is dirty/ corroded. Try wiggling that connection and see if it helps. If so take it apart and clean it properly and make sure it's tight