Hi guys, I am not new to the forum but I haven't logged in in a while and I can't seem to remember my password to save my life.

I used the search but I still have a little trouble figuring things out.

Long story short, I can only start my engine by jumping the starter. What do I exactly bypass when I use this method ? I am not really sure of all the components needed to work for the car to start the traditional way.( I mean electrically, like ignition switches and bla bla).

Thx for any help, I need to figure out what is shot so I can stop ghetto starting my car.

If you are jumping the starter at the starter (the cross two screw drivers method) then your solenoid on the starter is bad. I don't know of anyone that sells just solenoids and then if you find them you will have to install it. It looks like it is time for a new starter.

Originally posted by bullettdsm
If you are jumping the starter at the starter (the cross two screw drivers method) then your solenoid on the starter is bad. I don't know of anyone that sells just solenoids and then if you find them you will have to install it. It looks like it is time for a new starter.

not necessecarily, if you have a bad solenoid the starter still won't kick out the gear. if you're jumping the posts on the starter then you're not getting power from the switch to the solenoid. use a test light to determine if there is power getting to the solenoid from your ignition switch. most likely you won't get the light to come on when someone is turning the key. start working back from there and find out what's not getting power past it, you might have a bad starter relay or ignition switch in the column