ok. First Post. Background info: I just recently received a 76 Fiat Spider from my Girlfriend's dad. It has been sitting for ten years and I have been inspired to get it running. so to start it off. I replaced the battery. no hassle. everything works like it should (accesory-wise). Stuck the key in it and it made a dull click. so I figured. could be the starter is bad. right? bought a new starter. installed it. and reconnected the battery cables just to hear a buzz coming from the starter. which made me wonder why there was electricity going to it if the key isnt even turned yet? Any help would be much appreciated.

In my car there is an "I forgot my key in the ignition" annoying buzzer (fast bell like very old door bell), would that be the noise you hear when you put your key in?

Does it start with a new battery? if not check you starting electrical circuit, it is pretty simple. Really, if its not the starter or the battery then it is a wire, or a bad connections (no fuse in their).


Bob

Yea. I really have to go and check with a fine tooth comb all the wiring. because its the actual starter that spins frantically, like its not engaging. and People have told me that it is a solenoid problem. but the solenoid shouldnt even be receiving power unless the key is turned. correct?

Is there a possibiltiy you may have connected it wrong?

Alright now I know,

It is the wires on the ignition key that is probably connected in reverse. I am 95% sure that the red wire going normally to post 50, which is the "start" position on the ignition switch, that is connected to the "INT" which is to turn on the instrument (like radio and that bell) or it is connected on that (63) connector which is when you live you key in (without turning it). On the ignition switch there are two connecting posts for instrument they should be blue-red and the other one is black connected to it.

Anyhow it is most likely the wires that are in reverse orders or mixed up on the ignition switch. What ever is the color of the wire conected to your solenoid, it must be on connecting post "50". Just follow it with a multi-meter.

Have a look at the document attached.

Bob

Thanks a ton. That makes perfect sense. lol. Im going to get that looked at as soon as I can. I'll let yall know how it goes.