MX5Ireland

Hey lads,
Have spent a fortune on the car since I got it and don't want to bring it to the garage if its not needed. My 5 wont start at all. If I turn the key then nothing, I have power, if I push start it its fine, I think its the starter as its the same as when it went on my last car but not too sure. I've tried jigling the key in the ignition as someone suggested but nothing. Where exactly are the wires at the back of the engine I could check, incase they came loose. Also where is the starter I could try give it a tap and see. Sorry not the best with finding my way around engine bays.

Its a 1990 1.6

Cheers

Shane

Shane, where you based? Have you tried "hot-wiring" to figure out if the ignition switch is knackered?? A simple push to start button could solve your problem if it is.

The starter is located on the drivers side of the engine and is quite tricky to access, you may need to remove some fittings to get in at it.I have a complete engine that I took out of my mk1 and the starter is attached, you could drop in if you want to see the layout..I'm in Newbridge, Co. Kildare and my number is 087/2656053

John

"I have power"

How much power? How old is the battery? Is there any clicks when you turn the key? Do your interior lights fade any when you turn it?

Power is not a problem....plenty of it. Spoke to my mechanis today he seems to think its either a loose wire or the ignition. So I remove the cover below the steering wheel to check the wires and theres a thin yellow wire just aimlessly hanging there, anyone what this could be or where it should connect, would this be my problem???

Cheers
Shane