Gordy,
I had the same exact experience with #1080.
The car ran fine for a while. Then the ignition swicth seemed to stop
working so I would jump the starter solenoid to get the car to start. That
worked fine for a while until I had the same problem that you described.
(although I was too afraid to pull the coil wire off and I just ended up
disconnecting the battery (that was smoking by the time that I was done))
I have since replaced the starter, the ignition switch with new parts. I
have also replaced the starter solenoid with one that I had laying around (that
looked identical to the original). Now when I try to start the car (from the
key) I get nothing (except smoke from various electical components). It seems
like there is a short somewhere.
I have not been able to figure out the problem yet either and the car sits
just as i describe it now.
I was not aware of another ignition component above the starter soleniod. I
am curious as to what it is also. I believe that I have the same part that you
describe but for some reason I did not think that it had anything to do with the
ignition circuits.
I may try to find some time this weekend to try to do some eletrical
diagnosis on the car. (that should be loads of fun)
I hope that someone out there can help us.
Jamie
-----Original Message-----
From: gramsey@FILA-USA.COM [SMTP:gramsey@FILA-USA.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 12:19 PM
To: bricklin@autox.team.net
Subject: FW: Bricklin starting problem
Here's a good puzzler. Can anyone help?
I bought #35 about 3 months ago. When I bought it started and ran OK but
the ignition switch would not spring back from the start start position.
No big problem.
Then I cleaned the engine and compartment I began having an intermittent
starting problem. Lights on dash light but no starter sound. I found
that if I put the key in the on position and depressed the button on a
"relay type thing" under the hood on the fender well (above starter
relay) that it would start. I did try to clean contacts on wire
connector under hood.
The last time I started the Bricklin I pressed that magic button, the
engine started, the starter stayed engaged with the flywheel even though
I turned the sticking ignition to the on position. I then turned the
ignition off to prevent damage to the starter/flywheel and the engine
continued to run with the started engaged, with the ignition off, and the
key in my hand. I ran up and pulled the coil wire off to stop the
engine. The starter relay (which looked fairly new) was smoking.
Apparently it and/or the starter solenoid were this engaged. I grabbed
a wrench and disconnected the battery cable from the starter relay.
I didn't know if I should call an exorcist or a good 70's mechanic (I
actually worked at a Buick dealer in 73'). I figured I would start here
before I replace the ignition switch, starter and relay. Also, what is
the first relay I described ("relay type thing"). It looks about like an
old horn relay. 2"Lx1.5"Hx1"D metal, with a plastic button within a
button on top. It is mounted to the fender well and has 2 groups of
wires (2 plugs).
I thought it may be either a neutral safety switch relay/bypass or an
ignition relay/bypass?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gordy Ramsey
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