My 1976 2.25 petrol series 3 passed its MOT yesterday but once they tried to get it off the ramp, having driven to the garage without a problem it refused to start. Tested the battery and it was fine and it had to be push started. Once i got it home (a 2 minute drive) i turned it off and it refused to start again. I went out this morning and it started again fine twice then refused to start. The ignition light comes on and it all looks fine but then turning the key produces nothing but silence. The battery connections are fine and i tightened up the connections to the relay as they were a bit loose, but the problem is still there. Im a bit confused to what the problem is as its intermittent and when its working its starts first time no problem. I tried testing the relay as the haynes manual recommends using the rubber button to manually test the starter motor but can see no rubber button on the relay.

Im now stuck as to where to go from here and i cant really take the car out as im not sure when it will start or not, very annoying as ive only owned it for a day !

It sounds like it could be your ignition switch.

Will it start if you put a wire from the battery to the starter solenoid?

Could be the ignition switch, solenoid or starter motor. Does the solenoid click when the engine doesn't turn over? A multimeter or a bulb on flying leads would help you diagnose this one - or you could do the manly thing and use the starting handle.....

theres no clicking when the engine doesnt turn over, total silence. Im starting to think it could be the ignition switch, with this being the case i take it i can buy the switch and not need to buy a barrel or keys etc so i can keep the original ?

Barrel is removable from the switch, so it can be put into the new unit. You will find a small hole where the switch barrel tang engages the sswitch assembly. Insert key, turn switch till the hole lies up with the hole in the switch body, then insert a thin bit of steel rod or a thin screwdriver to push in the pin and disengage the cylinder.

The cylinder will snap into the new switch assembly - no tool needed for insertioni into the new.

ajr

thanks for the help !!

Lots of the ignition switches ive been looking to buy state without steering lock, my '76 does have a steering lock, will it make any difference if i fit this ignition switch ?

Did you try a wire from the + on your battery to the starter solenoid?