M20 won't start with key

[Tiger]

Alarm in your case is not an issue...

It is very possible that your starter is simply dying and needs to be replaced.

[liljos]

Alarm in your case is not an issue...It is very possible that your starter is simply dying and needs to be replaced.

the starter sounds healthy. once again the car does start but only by rigging the starter. when the key is turned all that's heard is a click but it's not coming from the starter.

[Tiger]

If the mechanic triggers the selenoid to start the car, then the starter is okay. You said it sounds normal... normal speed and sound. Since you also said the second time the mechanic started it for you is 'slower.' I am thinking it is possible he basically bypassed the selenoid and just powered up the starter.

So, in this case, you need to find out if it is the selenoid is bad or or your ignition switch... just like what whiskychaser said. Also check your battery health. Your battery may simply be dead. It is that time of the year where weak batteries dies suddenly.

[liljos]

If the mechanic triggers the selenoid to start the car, then the starter is okay. You said it sounds normal... normal speed and sound. Since you also said the second time the mechanic started it for you is 'slower.' I am thinking it is possible he basically bypassed the selenoid and just powered up the starter.So, in this case, you need to find out if it is the selenoid is bad or or your ignition switch... just like what whiskychaser said. Also check your battery health. Your battery may simply be dead. It is that time of the year where weak batteries dies suddenly.

my battery was dead. and I ruled that out after having it connected to another car and tried starting it with the key ehile the other car was running. is there any way to check the solenoid? and could this be a relay problem?

[whiskychaser]

A solenoid performs two functions but think of it first as just a big switch that connects your battery cable to your starter. This is how to check it:
See if it is receiving 12V at the small terminal when you turn the key as described above. (Use a bulb and a couple of lengths of wire you dont have a meter)
If it is, turn off the ignition. Then jumper the two large terminals on the solenoid. If the starter spins, you know the solenoid isnt working.
(The other function of the solenoid is to engage the starter gear with the flywheel ring gear)

You dont HAVE to turn off the ignition but if you have got your head anywhere near the engine and it fires up you are in for a bit of a shock.

You dont have a starter relay as you have a manual and your clutch switch isnt in use anyway. Later cars have a relay as part of the immobiliser but I think your car is too early for that.

[liljos]

A solenoid performs two functions but think of it first as just a big switch that connects your battery cable to your starter. This is how to check it: See if it is receiving 12V at the small terminal when you turn the key as described above. (Use a bulb and a couple of lengths of wire you dont have a meter)If it is, turn off the ignition. Then jumper the two large terminals on the solenoid. If the starter spins, you know the solenoid isnt working. (The other function of the solenoid is to engage the starter gear with the flywheel ring gear) You dont HAVE to turn off the ignition but if you have got your head anywhere near the engine and it fires up you are in for a bit of a shock.You dont have a starter relay as you have a manual and your clutch switch isnt in use anyway. Later cars have a relay as part of the immobiliser but I think your car is too early for that.

thank you. I'm gonna look into that and find out.

[whiskychaser]

Just so we are clear, the wiring diagrams for your car are here:
http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/BM...g%20Manual.pdf

[liljos]

Just so we are clear, the wiring diagrams for your car are here:http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/BM...g%20Manual.pdf

that looks about right..