Re: 1991 Spider Veloce Starter Problem - help

["Tim Czajka" <timczajka@domain.elided>]

I want to thank everyone for the suggestions regarding the 1991 Spider 
Veloce starting problem - I was away over the weekend but had a chance to 
look things over and run a few tests yesterday.  Double-checked the battery 
voltage and it is fine - cleaned off the terminals and fixed the cables 
firmly.

As several list members suggested, it appears that on this vehicle the main 
battery power arrives on a heavy gauge cable from the battery direct to a 
terminal post on the starter solenoid.  From there another heavy gauge cable 
goes off - presumably to provide power to other parts of the vehicle.  A 
lighter duty wire arrives from the ignition switch to a second terminal on 
the starter solenoid - supplying the needed current to activate the 
solenoid.

I tested the battery cable supplying main current to the starter solenoid 
and the voltage was fine.  I then took a short length of wire and jumpered 
the main current wire over to the ignition terminal on the solenoid - thus 
providing the needed voltage to activate the solenoid.  Bingo - the solenoid 
closed and the starter fired up.

So the starter and solenoid are indeed good.  Although this introduced a new 
problem as the starter failed to engage the ring gear and just spun away 
grinding.  But I found a note in a parts flyer that indicates a special 
shouldered bolt is required to properly locate the starter and this bolt was 
not used.  Ordering this bolt should fix the problem.

I then had someone turn the ignition key while testing voltage from the 
ignition switch wire.  No voltage.  So the problem seems definitely to be 
either the ignition switch itself, or the wire coming from the ignition 
switch.  Although the suggestion from Ralph F. regarding the transmission 
interlock switch is interesting because this vehicle does indeed have an 
automatic transmission.  I will have to test for that.

I'm hoping the ignition switch is not at fault as it looks a bear to remove. 
 That re-wired starter button option is looking good right now!

- Tim Czajka

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