electrical issue- no start without jumping the solenoid

[PJB]

'92 5.0 with t5

The damn car wont start without jumping the starter solenoid terminals with a screwdriver.

Ive had some issues with it not starting a few times this year but usually after pulling some wires or hitting something under the dash with my foot it starts. Not now.

Theres no power going to the clutch start safety switch. With it bypassed nothing happens either.

Also my reverse lights are staying on when the car is going forward. Is that related to the starting issue or something separate?

Id like to put the car away but now Id like to figure out whats wrong with it.

 

[EHA Racing]

Time for an ignition switch!
It's very common on our cars. There is a metal bracket with a plastic terminal insert. The plastic insert is held onto the metal bracket by a couple metal tabs. One of the tabs will probably be broken and the ignition switch wont be making contact anymore. When you jostle the wires with your feet it will help make contact for a short period of time but won't stay.

 

[BKD]

interesting .. have to remember that.

 

[PJB]

Do you mean the switch with the key or the other ignition switch thing? I know I replaced a few ignition switch things at one point on the car when I was having trouble with the starter but it ended up just being a bad starter at the time.

I saved the original parts that I replaced then so I could try swapping them back on if thats it.

 

[EHA Racing]

Not the lock cylinder. I'm talking about the actual switch which the wire harness plugs into. Take the cover off the column and it will be very visible. See if it's loose and if it is try starting the car while pushing the connector.
Also, about the reverse light switch. It is on the drivers side of the T5 trans. It has a plug with 2 female round connectors when you pull it off.

 

[PJB]

This?
Advance Auto Parts: Ignition Starter Switch by BWD - Part CS96

I know Ive got the original one.

And the reverse sensor is bad so that makes the lights stay on?

 

[EHA Racing]

Yes that's the right one.
Wirh the key on unplug the reverse light plug from the sending unit on the trans. If the lights go out the sending unit is bad. If not I would check to see if there is a relay for the reverse lights. It may have stuck on but I doubt that.

 

[PJB]

Thanks. Ill look into it tomorrow if I get a chance.

 

[PJB]

I just replaced the ignition switch with the other one I have. No luck. Still wont start.

 

[EHA Racing]

Give me a call. 716-450-1827

 

[PJB]

I wish I saw this earlier. I put the car away this afternoon.