Intermittent starting brown wire fix/relay?

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sierraspider

Intermittent starting brown wire fix/relay?

Post by sierraspider »

My 82 spider is suffering from intermittent starting problems. Battery is new, new fuel pump, rebuilt afm. So sometimes it starts on first turn and after it sits for a while I just hear the whirring of the fuel pump but the starter is not engaging. Then if it sits, sometimes it decides it wants to start. I've ruled out voltage drop at battery because it does start at times after sitting and battery voltage seems good. So what should I look at next. I've been reading about relay and brown wire fix and I'm a bit confused. so any help/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Car runs and idles well when it starts.

Thanks
AriK
Patron 2018
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Posts: 1148
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:58 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Intermittent starting brown wire fix/relay?

Post by AriK »

Next step is jiggle the wires behind the ignition switch while in the start position. If you see any influence then start shopping around for an ignition switch.
At the next level you may start looking at brown wire surgery if you already don't have one and then relay your starter and headlights.
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courtenay
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Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:41 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Spider 2000
Location: Courtenay, BC, Canada

Re: Intermittent starting brown wire fix/relay?

Post by courtenay »

There are two wires running from the starter that have a connection near the alternator. They're brown and red as shown in the picture. Disconnect them, clean the connectors and reconnect. Might solve your problem - it did mine...

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Bruce Shearer
'80 Spider Fi
'10 Volvo XC70
'06 GMC 1 Ton PU
'72 Spider a long, long time ago
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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Intermittent starting brown wire fix/relay?

Post by azruss »

This is a classic fiat issue. The ignition switch contacts get weak or the starter solenoid. Also all the contacts in the start circuit can get weak.
Start by cleaning the battery terminals and the battery ground in the trunk. clean all the connections to the starter solenoid including the small red wire. Check your engine to chassis ground and clean. There is a six-wire connector behind the ignition switch. Disconnect and clean all the contact points . If this doesn't solve the issue, you are looking at an ignition switch or starter solenoid repair.
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