'89 740 wont start

Tigermoth · Post by **Tigermoth** » 21 Dec 2007, 07:48

Hi everyone, I have an issue with my 1989 740GL wagon that sometimes the car wont start. If it turns over it starts, thats fine, but sometimes it doesn't even turn over, it doesn't do anything. The electrical stuff in the car turns off whilst trying to start it like normal but nothing happens. It doesnt make a sound or a noise. Its getting more frequent and I really need to get it fixed. It happens mostly when its warm. Can anyone help?
Thanks

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 21 Dec 2007, 09:18

Let me see if I can restate your problem correctly. When you turn the key and the starter operates, the car will always start. But sometimes when you turn the key, the starter does not operate. Is that correct??

One thing you forgot to state was whether you have an automatic or manual transmission. My hunch is you have an automatic, but please verify.

Once you verify these questions, I can give you the next step.

NOTE: The term "Turn Over" means different things to different people and should be avoided as much as possible when describing a problem with a car.

Tigermoth · Post by **Tigermoth** » 21 Dec 2007, 15:46

Sorry, yes that is what I mean and it is an automatic

I will avoid using 'turn over' on here again if i can help it

Thanks

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 21 Dec 2007, 16:08

That's what I thought, but I had to be sure.

The first thing you should look at is your "Starter Inhibitor" switch. Some people call this the "Neutral Safety Switch" This is the switch that prevents the starter from operating if you try to start the car in any gear other than Park or Neutral. It is mounted to the shifter mechanism in the console.

Try this, the next time the starter doesn't operate:

Try shifting the selector from Park to Neutral or Neutral to Park, then try the starter again. If nothing happens, hold your key in the Start position with your left hand and move the transmission selector up and down through all the gears and see if and where the starter tries to operate. If it still doesn't operate, dismantle the console, expose the switch, unplug and install a jumper between the two wires that connect to the switch. If the switch is bad, the car should start in any gear with the jumper in place. If still no start, look at the starter or starter relay.

Let us know what you find and what you do.

waynej · Post by **waynej** » 22 Dec 2007, 11:16

If it's not the switch, also check the battery cables, especially the ground cable that goes to the engine block. To check for a bad starter, have someone hold the key to the start position while you get under the car and give the starter a good whack. If it starts you know you need a starter if it doesn't you might still need a starter.

Tigermoth · Post by **Tigermoth** » 23 Dec 2007, 05:25

Thanks for that guys, I will try your suggestions and hope they work, although someone suggested to me that the cause could be a fault ignition barrel. Is that a likely cause?