Hey All,

-1999 D1 died on me the other day and had to be towed back to the house.
-Battery is fully charged and wasn’t the problem.
-Starter had been grinding and becoming more and more problematic.
-However, I’m also noticing that when I turn the key to II I still can’t shift out of park?
-My original thought process was that the solenoid had gone out on the starter and that was why I was hearing absolutely nothing when I turned the key, but I don’t know how this would explain not being able to shift into neutral?
-If the ignition switch was bad what would I look for? Would a bad ignition switch cause the vehicle not to be able to start at all (silence when turning the key)?

Thanks!

 

it's likely that you have a "ground" problem, these things are prone to it....follow all the grounds from the battery to the frame ,
there is a ground strap from the battery to the passenger fender-well, to the frame, and usually one from the cylinder head to the frame / body near the back of the motor toward the firewall.
check those first ..
then use a test light to see if you are getting power to the solenoid when you turn the key
let us know how it goes

 

this may sound dumb but, the shift needs to see the ignition on and the brake pedal pushed. maybe it is a brake light switch?? I knocked mine out of adjustment and it took a bit to figure it out.

 

So I tested the solenoid, it is getting 12.2 v.

I noticed today though, that previously when my door was open and the key was in the ignition the rover would beep at me and now it’s not doing that… could this be the ignition?

 

@XCELLER8 if the solenoid is getting power is the conclusion that the solenoid has failed? I assume the solenoid wouldn’t be able to make a complete circuit without a functional ground?

 

It could be that the brushes in the starter just plain wore out. Or it could be a bearing failure too. That would explain the 'grinding' noises. I'm putting my money on that. When brushes wear down to near their end, they can arc for weeks or even months. Usually the starter cranks slow, but it can often start the vehicle for quite a while. You might pull the starter and disassemble for a look-see. Starters are easy to take apart and easy (and fun) to rebuild, (I do it all the time on my vehicles -- if the armature & commutator are good). So, even if the solenoid is good, other problems inside and she won't crank over. If you are learning more about mechanic's rebuilding a starter or alternator is a good item to work on, even if you decide to buy a rebuilt or new starter (good to see how they work). There area a lot of good 'how-to' videos out there. A lot of times rebuilding a 'factory' starter can be better than buying a rebuilt. But sometimes going 'rebuilt' makes sense too.

The grinding noise could also be a damaged or broken commutator bar. That would be reason to buy a rebuilt starter (even a commutator can be replaced, but generally more work that it's worth).

I just went through a starter situation last winter in my Jeep. The brushes were just worn down to a nub. Everything else looked great. Standard Mitsubishi starter but great quality too. I bought a new brush plate (ebay), solenoid, re-greased the bearings, new paint ....she's good for another 20 years! ha ha.

 

both correct, it wont work withput a proper ground, and if it has power AND ground and still doesnt work...it's likely toast

 

so, replaced the starter… nothing.

I’m thinking this must be the ignition switch? When I turn my key and leave it in position II the radio previously would come on, but that isn’t happening now? Any advice?