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MG MGA - How to check starter switch

I got my "62 Mkll out of storage (Garage) in March and have been driving as weather permits (nice days). She will now not start. Turn the key, generator light comes on...but nothing when I pull the starter switch. This would work the first go round...then nothing. Figuring either the starter was jammed or the battery had given up, I charged the battery, tried again with same result. So then i used a ball peen hammer to tap the case of the starter. Nothing after the initial glow of the generator light on the Tach. Next I tried another battery and voila she turned over...problem solved so I thought. Bought a new batery and am now back to square 1. I put a test light on the starter switch (Gator clip on bolt coming from the battery, and test light needle on the bolt going to the starter...it lights up. I was thinking that should only happen when the starter was engaged.
So two questions to you my esteemeed colleauges;
1) - Am I testing the starter switch correctly?
2) - Is there a possability that I now have the starter jammed if the switch is faulty and power is running continuously to the starter even when the starter is not engaged. - Yes the battery is now out of the car.

Your advice please....anyone!
I. L. Benson

" Am I testing the starter switch correctly?"

No. The test light should be clipped to the switch terminal that goes to the starter and the other lead from the light goes to ground. The light should come on when the starter knob is pulled. If it doesn't, the switch is bad. If it does come on, then the cable between the switch and the starter is bad or the starter is bad. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

You can also test to make sure the switch isn't "high resistance", that is, not supplying enough current to the starter, by coonecting a test lamp across the starter switch; the lamp should glow whether the ignition is on or off, then pull the starter knob and the test lamp should go right out. If it doesn't, you have a faulty swich. If you cannot get the lamp to glow with the switch released, you have a faulty starter motor or no supply to the switch. Hope this helps, Lindsay.
Lindsay Sampford

Sounds like it could be a poor connection in the battery leads. The clue being the battery change giving a temporary fix. Check all the connections, i.e. cable to clamp and clamp to terminal for positive negative, earth, starter and switch.
Neil McGurk

Your starter switch could be faulty - I had to buy a new one not long ago when I had a similar fault to yours .
Cam Cunningham

Thank You all. The tests indicate a faulty starter switch. - Much to my relief

Will order a new one to-night. - Thanks again.

- Ian
I. L. Benson

This thread was discussed between 09/06/2009 and 10/06/2009

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