sflip09

When I first start my car in the morning there is typically no problem. In the subsequent starts is where the problem lies. The engine will just turn over and not start until I use a screwdriver and jump the I & S terminals on the starter solenoid. I replaced the ignition switch with no change. Is there an issue with electrical or the starter solenoid? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

sflip09

I meant starter relay, not starter solenoid.

racer_dave

If jumping the solenoid terminals fixes the issue, then I'd replace the solenoid. Not uncommon for them to be affected by underhood heat as they get older. Make sure it's away from any heat sources.

Mach428

You need to make sure you have 12V at the distributor positive terminal when the key is in the START position. This is supplied from the ignition switch to the solenoid. If not, check the small solenoid terminal (one farthest from the battery terminal of solenoid) when the key is turned to START. If not, replace solenoid.

Starfury

+1 on the starter solenoid.

Be sure to get a quality replacement. BWD (or Napa's Echlin line, which come from the same Standard Motor Parts factory) are good quality. Stay away from everything else.

When you install the new one, be sure to clean any corrosion off the cable eyelets with a wire brush.

Derf00

When you say 'The engine will just turn over' do you mean just one or two revolutions or that it cranks continuously but just won't catch/start?

I would think if either the starter relay or starter solenoid were bad, the engine would not crank...unless the relay controls spark or fuel...?

Mach428

If by "hard starting" you mean the engine turns over but does not start (which I assume this is what you mean since it starts by jumping the solenoid) you need to check to ensure that you are getting 12V to the START terminal of the solenoid when the key is turned to start. The ignition switch provides 12V to the solenoid when the key is in the start position to provide 12V to the coil. If you have 12V to this terminal, the solenoid is bad. If you do not, the ingition switch is bad.

Hope this makes sense