Starter Solenoid "Gremlins"

[drock87]

   Ok, so I never posted this problem on here before because....it simply went away for, like, 6-8 months. Well, I went to jump start Dirt McGirt today and.....the starter solenoid won't kick. It will start by "jumping" the solenoid, but not with the key. I once replaced the solenoid to no success, so I put the old one on, and voila, started working. Until today. Thoughts??? (maybe a wiring diagram....).

[drock87]

  So, went out, and first nothing, second turn, started with the key. Ya...there is a wiring 'Gremlin' somewhere. Neutral safety switch probably?

[Jurjen]

When you have an automatic, then there is a prong and and a connector on the bottom side of the starter solenoid. This is the wire going to the neutral safety switch.
This connector likes to corrode. I used a bit of sandpaper and put some vaseline in and made sure the connector was tight again. Starting has been 100% ever since.
For testing you can connect to ground: the Eagle will start in any gear then.

[carnuck]

Just a thought, but it sounds more like moisture got between the battery post and clamp. When it does, lead oxide forms, which is a VERY poor conductor of electricity. When you turn the key to start, it will actually arc through that mush but it won't always get enough connection to start. A couple tries and the post will heat up (warm enough to feel if you touch the posts) and temporarily dry a patch for it to start through till next time it gets wet. The rsistance can get so bad that it can melt the battery post off, but usually the alternator gets burned out from the open circuit first.