I got an interesting problem maybe someone has some thoughts on , on my 81 eagle model 10 my start button has quit, I turn the key on and hit the start button and nothing, I can go to the back and jump the starter and it fires right up, and can shut it down by hitting the stop button on the dash, I've tryed a new start button, even replaced the 8 dollar fuse lol. Should be a simple problem to solve but it's got me scratching my gray head, doesn't seem to be a short in the line either, any thoughts?
Cody,
Do you have the rear engine compartment switches in the right positions?
If the switch in the back is set for rear start the front button won't work.
Hope it's that simple.
???
Did you check the continuity on the new start button, befor you installed it? Would not bee the first time a new switch was bad.
Try checking your fuel pressure switch (assuming you have one on an eagle). If that checks out, then check your temp switches and low water switch (again, assuming the eagle is so equipped).
I've had problems with my fuel pressure switch for a few years. Have replaced it a couple times, but eventually the problem you describe comes back. I have a permanent alligator clip in the engine compartment for when this happens. I then just ground the pressure switch and it starts right up.
craig
I just checked the rear switch and it's in the right position, even turned it a few times in case it had corroded but didn't make any difference, the start button I put in was a working button from another eagle, it didn't help so I removed it and reinstalled it in the other eagle and it fired the other one right up so the switch was good. I'm not sure where the fuel pressure switch is located but I'm looking.
I was just reading a post on the fuel pressure switch, would that only affect the bus start button or would that affect the way the bus runs, the bus runs perfectly, the only problem is the bus won't start from the start button, even checked the oil level and it's right on the mark.
I'm not familiar with Eagles, but on the MC9, the fuel pressure switch connects the ground wire to the starter solenoid. It's normally closed, so when there's no pressure, it's closed. When you start the engine, the fuel pump builds pressure, and opens the switch, which breaks the ground to the solenoid and causes the starter to stop turning. You can continue to hold the start button in while oil pressure builds and the starter will no longer turn.
The safety shutdown system in an MCI is a symphony of sensors and controllers all working together. If one piece goes bad, it brings the whole thing down.
Now, does an Eagle have a similar safety system or am I barking up the wrong tree here?
Since you said you can jump the starter, it seems that it's probably not this same problem, or you wouldn't have ground at the starter for it to activate. In this case, it's more likely that the starter is not getting the hot signal when you press the button, which would suggest a bad start relay in your electrical panel.
craig
I think on my MC-8, the fuel switch completed the ground circuit on the starter relay, not the solenoid, might be wrong. Anyway, when my fuel pressure switch quit working, the starter would not work, but I could start it by jumping the BAT and Solenoid terminals on the starter. Jack
PS: If replacing the fuel pressure switch, make sure the repalcement sawitch is HEAVY DUTY with large contacts. Don't ask how I know this.
Make sure the transmission is in park if you have an auto. Took me awhile to learn this little trick. LOL
Richard
Richard I know what you are talking about. Embarrassing isn't it?
thats how I'm starting it now, jumping accross the Bat and Solinoid terminals so I'm suspecting the fuel pressure switch, I checked all the relays with a new one and it didn't make a difference, my tranny doesn't have a park position, just neutral and the air parking brake knob, I'm probably lucky that it doesn't have the park position lol.
You will have to study the wiring diagram for the start circuit to find out what safety switches are in that circuit. If you have an automatic transmission, as you indicate, then it will have a neutral switch interlock to the starter. It may be in the shift tower, but more likely it is on the side of the transmission.
It is impossible for anyone to trouble shoot your bus without seeing the wiring diagram, It is obvious that there is an open circuit between the push button and the starter solenoid. Start in the middle of the loop at the starter relay. If it doesn't energise when you push the start button, the likely cause is an open safey switch. If it does energise, then the fault is a bad relay or open wire between the relay and the starter.
Some safety features are options when a bus is ordered, so you may have a fuel pressure switch, a low oil pressure switch with a start over ride, a transmission neutral switch, a park brake switch and possibly others. If anyone is not working properly, the start button won't engage the starter.
Cody,
To check the fuel pressuire switch, Put a jumper wire between the 2 terminals on the fuel pressure switch. If the starter works that is your problem ( as long as neutral start ands any other interlocks are functioning properly). Jack
Cody, the Eagle Model 15's that I worked with had a neutral safety switch in the shift tower.
We used to have to jiggle the shift lever sometimes for it to start.
I have some schematics here somewhere, let me know if you need any info.
Best of luck with your repair.
Sammy 8)
I appreciate all the help, I jiggled the shift lever, ran it from reverse into low and back several times, jiggled some more, hit the start button and it fired up, tomorrow I'll take it apart and check for loose wires or corrosion, I knew that you guys would come through with some great idea's.
Cool!
At least you've narrowed it down. Could just be an adjustment needed on the position of the neutral switch.
Glad you're at least making progress on the problem.