Well, now I've had two mechanics work on the intermittent start problem.
It's time for the list. The latest fellow installed a standard ignition
switch in the dash which takes the ignition key function out of the steering
wheel lock (Euro model BJ7). That didn't work as the same problem came up
yesterday after a short drive. This doesn't mean the old switch wasn't bad
as there could be more than one thing going on at the same time, but maybe
that's just my suspicious nature. Before I turn myself into a pretzel
working behind the dash I'd like to get some ideas about where to start.
Here's the problem. Turn the ignition on and fuel pump clicks. Press
button, nothing happens, no clicks, buzzes or whirls. Press the solenoid
starter button, it starts right up. One complication is that it doesn't
happen all the time but so far it hasn't happened from a cold start.
It's not the distributor ground, fuses, battery switch or terminals I'm
pretty sure as I've checked those. I'm hoping that it's the starter button
on the dash but I can't find that on my wiring diagrams. The ignition
switch is there, but no separate button.
Is there some way to test the button without having to take out gauges to
get to it? What wires go to the button? Can I assume that it completes the
white/red circuit to the starter solenoid? How can I get at the connection
to the solenoid? It looks way back in there from the engine bay
perspective.
I'd like to get an idea before I crawl under the dash. It's been a decade
since I rewired the dash, I don't have happy or specific memories of the
process and I'm a good deal larger and less flexible than I was then.
Any guidance as to how to check the steering wheel lock switch with a
volt/ohm meter? It looks from the diagram that when the key is turned on
the connection should be made between contacts 2 and 3 on the wiring
diagram. If that switch isn't bad, I'd like to wire it back into the system
but I'm not sure where the wires should go as that switch isn't on the
wiring diagram.
Thanks,
Bill Moyer
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