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TR6 TR6 Starter problem

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TR3and6

Freshman Member
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Hello Forum:
Yesterday as I tried to start my car, there a was a click and the starter did not engage. Battery checks out as OK.
Jump started car to get home.
Suspect Starter solenoid. Is there a quick check to diagnose this type of problem w/o replacing starter & Solenoid?
No info in TR6 manual re: this.
Thanks,
TR3and6
 
For myself, if the battery really checks out good, I would be looking for a bad, dirty or corroded connection. And don't just think of the two on the battery but work all of the way to the starter. Sometimes the battery is not good when it shows otherwise. Replacing parts except for the battery is last of my list of causes.
Charley
 
When you say you "jump started" the car..did that mean you jumped the (bypassed) the solenoid, or jumped your battery with another battery, or pushed the car and popped the clutch in gear ?
 
If you connected jumper cables from another battery to your battery posts, I would suspect a bad connection or possibly your battery is bad.
 
Clean the battery terminals first, then try again. i also try the starter with the headlights on & see if they dim.
 
Since you asked about testing : Connect an unpowered test lamp across the big solenoid terminals. You'll likely need some test leads with alligator clips. You'll also need either some longer wires or a helper, to watch the test lamp while you try to crank the engine. I actually have a length of lamp cord that I made up with sockets on one end for my voltmeter leads, and big alligator clips at the other end, just for tests like this.

The lamp should light brightly at first, then should go out when the solenoid engages. If it doesn't go out, the next test is to see if the solenoid is getting power from the switch. Connect the lamp from ground to the side terminal with the white/red wire, and try again. This time the lamp should stay off at first, then light brightly when you turn the key. If it does, then the solenoid is not working. If not, the problem is farther back up the line.

Roadster Factory sells a nice book on TR250-TR6 electrical, with lots of explanations, step-by-step troubleshooting and, most important, accurate wiring diagrams for US-spec cars. Definitely worth owning.
 
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