Hey Guys - I left my maverick parked for a year. Unfortunately the person I entrusted it with didn't touch it the entire time I was gone. When I came back the key was very hard to rotate in the cylinder, and essentially did nothing. I also had no lights, nothing. I replaced the battery and cleaned up the immediate grounds/contacts. This gave me headlights at least. Today I replaced the starter. The engine now turns over only by bypassing the starter relay. However, I haven't gotten a single fire. I'm assuming no spark, but haven't verified. My initial indication is ignition cylinder or switch. However, this is one automotive area I am very unfamiliar with so Im looking for a little feedback before I jump in. I have until the end of the day to get this car running before I leave again, so best troubleshooting steps to move forward with would be greatly appreciated!
You could try running switches to bypass. One push botton to start. One toggle switch to keep power on
I assume this is a points car, not one of the electronic ignition boxes from a later year? If you are just trying to find out if the car will run... Run a wire from the battery to the coil, that will give you a constant power to the ignition system. Then jump the started solenoid like you already did. If it starts or at least tries to start, it's either in your ignition switch or the key isn't actually pushing the rod down on the ignition switch.
Indeed, still has the points ignition. Good idea running power to the ignition, much appreciated! Even if I did make this mistake, (which I didn't) I'd never admit to it.
I once pushed a Chev truck all over a parking lot, back and forth, back and forth before realizing .. I'm thinking the ignition switch is bad..
Mine got like that a couple years ago. I disassembled the cylinder, cleaned out all of the 40-year-old hard grease and lubed with light oil. Finally adjusted the ignition switch on the column and it's been working like new.
