Starting on the (remote solenoid) button
QThe key no longer operates the starter on my 1970 Hillman Hunter, though I can start it by pressing the button on the remote solenoid on the inner wing. How can I trace the fault?
Julian Willon, Runcorn
ARemove the small lower wire from the solenoid. Connect one wire of a 12V test lamp to it and connect the other to earth. Get an assistant to turn the ignition switch to the ‘start’ position. If the lamp lights up, the solenoid is probably at fault. It earths through the body, though, so make sure the mounting points are clean and shiny before condemning it.
If the lamp doesn’t light, find the starter terminal on the back of the switch and connect the test light here. If it lights, the switch is fine and there’s a break in the wire. If it doesn’t light, the switch is at fault. You could try to open it up and repair it – it’s probably just a burnt or bent contact.