STARTER BUTTON

[R66SBW]

Hi All, just a quickie. Drove to work in my 3R, no problem, stopped for 10 minutes, then car would not even turn the engine over. Battery OK, but no current getting to starter solenoid (so now start with a piece of wire, jumping the starter motor terminal, while ingnition is on). So there's a break between the starter button & starter motor solenoid, question is how do you get access to the back of the starter button ?

[C&C]

I assume you've also tried starting it with the ignition key as well as the starter button?

[Jim O.]

If I remember correctly, the start button (and ignition key in "start" position) activates a relay that triggers the starter solenoid. Unless there's obvious damage to the button (like it doesn't feel the same, is depressed, etc.) I'd start by checking the relay, since it tends to be more prone to failure than the button. Also, it's more accessible - it's in the engine compartment.

The start button is not easy to get to. You might possibly be able to pry it out from the front, but I haven't tried. If this fails, you'll have to remove the center panel on the console, which is held in place by 5 of the hardest to get to nuts on the entire car. Horrible job, unless you're able to warp time and space, or you have rubber arms like the guy in the Fantastic Four...