1980 Chrysler Charger 115 hp 1158HOD

[cooper6558]

Motor will not fire using switch. Screwdriver to starter turns motor over. Checked wiring diagram . Its ok. Choke works.
Since choke works is switch bad or is something else wrong

 

[MickLovin]

Is it firing via jumper method? if so more than likely a switch problem.

 

[jerryjerry05]

If the choke's working???
Then it probably not the switch but the solenoid.
Test light, then at the solenoid, have someone turn the key and check for power at the yellow/ black lead at the solenoid.
Also test for power at both sides of the solenoid as someone turns the key.
If every things ok you'll have power on 3 lugs on the solenoid. If there is a 4th, it is a ground.
No power on the second big lug to the starter as you turn the key means the solenoid's bad.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Are you certain that the neutral interlock is centering? Below the bottom carb, on the control cable side of the engine is a brown switch with a white button. The shift linkage has a cam that depresses this button in neutral only, allowing power to the starter solenoid. Some times with age, and because of compliance in the cable, the control box and shift cable no longer exactly center the shift linkage and the engine will not crank. Try moving the control handle to forward, then back to reverse, then neutral and see if this helps. If the brown switch itself is bad, you can simply disconnect the two yellow wires and connect them together--however, now the engine will be able to start in gear--a bad thing. But--in an emergency and until you can get another micro-switch it will do if you are careful.

 

[MickLovin]

If the choke's working???
Then it probably not the switch but the solenoid.
Test light, then at the solenoid, have someone turn the key and check for power at the yellow/ black lead at the solenoid.
Also test for power at both sides of the solenoid as someone turns the key.
If every things ok you'll have power on 3 lugs on the solenoid. If there is a 4th, it is a ground.
No power on the second big lug to the starter as you turn the key means the solenoid's bad.

Jerryjerry, I disagree with "if your choke is working it probably isn't the switch", the choke is normally a push in to activate type, where as the start is a spring return to run. So they are different contacts inside the switch which could individually fail. But as Frank mentions it can be his neutral switch not being engaged.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Good thing we can disagree. Because I disagree with your diagnosis.
This site is here for suggestions and directions.
No one is "right" unless they can physically diagnosis the problem.
You want to post your prognosis? Great, don't tell someone they are wrong unless you can be there to fix the problem.

 

[MickLovin]

Can't see anywhere in my post where I say you are wrong, pretty sure I said I disagree, by the way I have had a switch fail yet still engage the the choke.