79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Gotta love that wiring . . .
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Ozzie4208

79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by Ozzie4208 »

I tried doing a search on this but nothing came up that would help. When i go to start the car as long as the warning lights come on the car will start. If the warning lights don't come on the car will crank but not start. I doesn't do it all the time, its just frustrating when it does. I have to turn the key off an on until the warning lights come on. Warning light's (brake and fasten seat belt dash lights). Any help would be great.

Ozzie
zachmac
Posts: 1278
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:20 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider [1979 2 ltr engine]
Location: Aiken, SC

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by zachmac »

Does the clock also stop running when the warning lights don't work? I had an intermittent problem like this and it turned out to be the feed from the alternator to fuse 10 on the hot side. The warning lights come off this circuit as does the clock AND the supply to fule pump relay.
Jeff Klein, Aiken, SC
1980 FI Spider, Veridian with Tan (sold about a year ago), in the market for another project
1989 Spider, sold
2008 Mercedes SL65
2008 S600 Mercedes V12
Ozzie4208

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by Ozzie4208 »

I'm not sure. I will have to go check.
Thanks Ozzie
Ozzie4208

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by Ozzie4208 »

Well I checked and the clock keeps running. I drove around a bunch yesterday and it didn't do it once. Its acting like a relay of some kind.
Ozzie
htchevyii
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 1807
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:31 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider hers 1972 Spider his
Location: Hydesville, CA (NorCal)

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by htchevyii »

I had the exact same problem with my '82 and it was the ign switch.
Trey
Image
1982 SPIDER 2000, 1964 CHEVYII, 1969 Chevy Nova, 2005 DODGE RAM, 1988 Jeep Comanche
1972 Spider, 78 Spider rat racer 57 f-100,
Ozzie4208

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by Ozzie4208 »

Were you able to fix it, or did you have to replace the ignition.
Ozzie
zachmac
Posts: 1278
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:20 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider [1979 2 ltr engine]
Location: Aiken, SC

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by zachmac »

You can try repairing it, nothing to lose! See This link. http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html
Jeff Klein, Aiken, SC
1980 FI Spider, Veridian with Tan (sold about a year ago), in the market for another project
1989 Spider, sold
2008 Mercedes SL65
2008 S600 Mercedes V12
Ozzie4208

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by Ozzie4208 »

Thanks for all the replies. I will try to rebuild it. It can't be to hard I already rebuilt the hazard switch and the window washer pump.
Ozzie
SeventyEightSpyder

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by SeventyEightSpyder »

New member here.

Recently purchased a 1978 Spider 124.

I have the exact same problem. I will be following this thread closely Ozzie. Also, I will be tackling this same problem this coming weekend. I'll let you know my findings. I'm surprised no one else has experienced this electrical gremlin and found a solution as yet.

Good luck Ozzie!
jdveterano

Re: 79 won't start unless warning lights are on.

Post by jdveterano »

Sorry to revive a 4 year old thread, but I am having the exact same issue that has gotten worse over the past few weeks. Do we have any confirmation that it is juts a bad connection, or do I need a whole new switch.

Thanks!
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