Replacing my starter relay because it stopped working. Have a new relay but when I wired it up, it still doesn’t work. Did I do it right? What would be the other issue? I can bypass the relay and get it started no problem.

 

Here is a wiring diagram for the starter relay on a 1985 S3. I don't know what yours is, you will need to tell us.

Dave

 

Well, that didn't work.

 

Sorry, copy of S57 starter diagram page would not transfer, this is the best I can offer.

Dave

 

That's a pic of the headlight relay!

Cheers
DD

 

First, double check your connections

Terminal W2 white/yellow wires (should be 12v "+" with key turned to 'start)
Terminal C2 solid brown (12v "+" at all times)
Terminal C4 white/red (12v "+" output to the starter solenoid)
Terminal C1 white/blue (not used on models, goes nowhere)
Terminal W1 black/green (should be 'ground' with gearshift in P or N)


If that checks out, remove the black/green wire from the relay and run a jumper wire from a known good ground to the W1 terminal on the relay. If the starter now works then you have a problem with the black/green wire or a problem with the neutral safety switch

Cheers
DD

 

Boy, you caught me on that one Doug. But my intention was pure, I did try to send a copy of the starter relay from S57, don't know why it wouldn't send.

 

That's OK. I gave info for a Series III without even knowing for sure that we're talking about a Series III 1

Cheers
DD

 

followed your instructions and the black/green wire needs to be fixed. Grounded it to the bolt and it starts up fine



First, double check your connections

Terminal W2 white/yellow wires (should be 12v "+" with key turned to 'start)
Terminal C2 solid brown (12v "+" at all times)
Terminal C4 white/red (12v "+" output to the starter solenoid)
Terminal C1 white/blue (not used on models, goes nowhere)
Terminal W1 black/green (should be 'ground' with gearshift in P or N)

I followed your instructions: have issues with the black/green wire and had to ground.
thank you


If that checks out, remove the black/green wire from the relay and run a jumper wire from a known good ground to the W1 terminal on the relay. If the starter now works then you have a problem with the black/green wire or a problem with the neutral safety switch

Cheers

 

As Doug said, so wisely:
"Terminal W1 black/green (should be 'ground' with gearshift in P or N)"
If, as I think your post said, the starter works if you ground this wire, then it is odds-on there is a problem at or around the gear shifter, whereby the microswitch that prevents the car being started in gear is failing/out of adjustment or the final ground after that switch has failed.

 

I want to turn the engine over while watching the distributor ( no helper to turn the key).
Can I connect a wire jumper to the C1 terminal of the relay and the +ve battery ?

Thanks,

 

To engage the starter (but nothing else) apply 12v to the white/red wire

Cheers
DD