Need help starting!

[JWGR10]

I finally have the time, energy and little bit financial to put into getting my car back into the road. My current issue is that it won’t start. I replaced the battery, battery terminals, starter solenoid and the starter and still won’t turn over. The car is getting power but when I turn the key to start there’s no sound of it even trying to turn over. I can get the car to start with the key in the on position and using a screwdriver touching the stater solenoid. Any one have any suggestions on where to go next??

Thanks!

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

It sounds like you already diagnosed the solenoid not getting the signal from the key switch. You are going to have to work your way back from there.

[JWGR10]

I have read online it could possibly be the ignition switch. Any idea where I would find one?

[Rainbow83]

If you don't yet have a copy of the Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual, it can be a pretty handy resource, and you can pick one up on eBay for not too much money

[Ed Lijewski]

The solenoid is a relay.

The signal/ voltage from the ignition switch to start the engine flows through the black wire connected to the solenoid on the right side via the black button.

I "think" you can test the solenoid by feeding it 12+volts via a wire from Bat+ to the pole for the black wire described above and listening for the relay to click.

YMMV

[JWGR10]

Awesome, thank you. I will try and check that out!

[my8950]

https://forum.merkurclub.com/forum/view ... 44#p291544

All manuals, maybe not the exact year, but very helpful...

[JWGR10]

Thanks for that link to that forum! Downloaded those manual

[motorhead_1]

manual or automatic car?
NSS or park switch possibly?

[JWGR10]

It’s a manual