Message text written by John Summers
><Snip>When I attempt to start the car the first thing that happens is
nothing, followed about two seconds later by the clicking sound we all
know as the sound the car makes when it has a nearly dead battery. That
sound goes for about two seconds and then the starter/engine turns over
slowly - once, then a second or so later again with more vigor and again
and again as the rpm's increase until it starts. The entire process
takes maybe six seconds.
<Snip>
Last night when I had it out the voltage meter "shot" from aroud 13 to
15 twice. Tonight that didn't happen and in fact tonight's drive was
the most normal I have had in three months.
Any ideas folks? It would be nich to regain my confidence in it.
Thanks,
John Summers
<
John,
The 74 had the infamous starter interlock module (mounted in the passenger
foot well) that inhibits the starter if the seatbelts are not fastened.
Easy things first: check the electrical connections to the seat switches
and seatbelt buckles. Unplug and replug these in to clean off any corrosion
that might be there.
Next, locate the interolck module. It is round and has a round 9 pin (or
11 pin, i forget) plug. Unplug and replug this too.
Thirdly, locate the starter relay. It is mounded to the inner fender in
the vicinity of the fuse block. Unplug and replug the connections to the
relay.
Fourth, check the connections at the starter solenoid. Also check the
battery connections
If all these connections are sound and the problem still persists then it
is time to break out the volt meter and take measurements. Measure the
voltage at the relay to the starter solenoid while the key is in the start
position. Measure the voltage at the interconnecting link between the
solenoid and starter motor.
The problem could be any of these items and some simple electrical checks
can eliminate unnecessary replacement of expensive items.
Good luck
Dave
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