Won't Start

[jsdieter]

Yesterday I go to start my car and nothing (starter not doing anything). I messed with some wires and still nothing. The funny thing is i went to try one last time and it started! But now it won't start again. I know the starter is getting power. The solenoid is not clicking. I think it is the solenoid, am I right?

[jimincalif]

Could be a lot of things. First, check the battery and its connections. The ignition switch, the ignition switch connector block, or an inline connector on the red wire going to the solenoid (follow the wire from the solenoid), or the starter post where the large battery cable connects, or the engine ground to the chassis. Mine had an intermittent no-start, looks like it was the inline connector, cleaned it two months ago and so far so good. See this thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8321

you can open the connector block behind the ignition switch to check the connections and to bypass the ignition switch to see if the starter cranks.

[So Cal Mark]

without a voltmeter, you're on a snipe hunt to sort out a no-crank situation

[jsdieter]

Thanks, we know the power is getting to the solenoid from the battery, but we have not been able to track it down from the ignition. we tried to use a multi-meter, but couldn't figure out what exactly to test.

[So Cal Mark]

you need to know how much voltage at the battery terminal on the solenoid, then at the small activation wire on the solenoid, then finally at the lower terminal on the solenoid that connects to the starter motor