I believe that I have a loose connection somewhere in my starting system, though I am not sure what some key areas are that I should check beyond what I have listed below.

Since the day my car stopped running I have replaced my ignition switch (I had no dash lights, my key was stuck in the ignition lock cylinder, and come to find out the transmission park/lock cable housing was physically separated from the rest of the unit), and I have taken both my battery and starter in for testing at two local autoparts stores, as well as thoroughly cleaned all electrical contacts at the starter and at the battery, including replacing the terminal bolts.

My symptoms now are inconsistent, as sometimes there will be enough voltage at the starter to make the solenoid click and occasionally turn the crank once or twice, and other times nothing will happen at all.

Please offer insight regarding how to go about looking for loose electrical connections within this system, or if I have overlooked something in my diagnosis.

Thank you all

 

I know SOMEONE out there knows this circuit better than I do

 

On my car at least there is just one wire straight from the battery to the starter. and then there is another wire on top of the starter which I assume activates the solenoid when you turn the key. You may also wanna make sure your ground on the engine block is good and tight. Could be something within the starter as well, like a loose connection or something that is intermittent. When you turn the key and you get nothing (no click from starter) does the rest of your car have power (radio, lights, etc...)?

 

Bump to the top.....Hope you dont get shocked trying to fix this one....Although that does seem to be a sign of progress usually.....

 

Yes, I still have power to my dash & interior even when there is no click at the starter, now that I have replaced the ignition switch. The oddest part is the inconsistency; sometimes it will try to crank, sometimes just click, and sometimes nothing.
The wiring diagrams in my manual also shows just one lead from the battery to the starter solenoid, and I've traced that thing as well as I can and have found no breaks or exposed wire. The other side of the circuit is what confuses me, I'm terrible w/ electrical flow concepts.

Thanks for your help!

 

Anybody have a wiring diagram they can post up i can look at?

 

 

Wow, my Haynes manual looks a LOT different...