[Phil Stevens]

Hello everyone. First time in this forum. Can anyone help. Recently purchased an S2 1974 Spider. Is a non starter. I think the fault is in the ignition switch? When you turn the key no lights are coming on the dash but the key does turn the starter. All fuses under steering wheel seem ok. Spark is getting to plugs but no fuel is coming from pump?!?
Any suggestions??

 

[brownie93]

Hi Phil, welcome to the BB. Here is the link to our Spider Tech section, there is more help in there for your problem. Good luck with it. Spider (1966-Up) - Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums Also we like pictures don't forget to post up pics

 

[Phil Stevens]

Many thanks will try there :grinning:

 

[Phil Stevens]

Hello everyone. First time in this forum. Can anyone help. Recently purchased an S2 1974 Spider. Is a non starter. I think the fault is in the ignition switch? When you turn the key no lights are coming on the dash but the key does turn the starter. All fuses under steering wheel seem ok. Spark is getting to plugs but no fuel is coming from pump?!? Any suggestions??

 

[65Sprint]

No dash lights could be a fuse, connector corrosion, disconnected wires, etc. If the electrical sysystem is unknown, start by cleaning, or better, replacing the old fuses. Do you have a color wiring diagram from member papajam? If not, send him an email and ask him if he will send you one. A good diagram will be invaluable tracking down this and any other electrical issues. I would not condemn the ignition switch at this point.

Does your car still have the Spica fuel injection system or has it been converted to carbs? The original Spica supply pump used the #11 fuse which is the leftmost fuse in the separate, two fuse block to the left of the main fuse box. With the key on, confirm you have power to the supply pump and it is running (underneath and behind passenger seat). Knowing what kind fuel system you have will help point you in the right direction regarding addional details.

 

[alfaparticle]

Clean up the fuse connections. The ignition and the fuel pump are both energized when the ignition switch is turned to the first position so if you have sparks then the switch is OK. Check the voltage at the fuel pump, it should be 12 volts when the ignition is on.

 

[Shiraz1965]

I find that most problems I have with the car can be quickly resolve with a bit of sand paper, contact cleaner and dielectric grease. Sounds like this is also one of those situations. But again, the best place to start is with a proper diagram.

No dash lights could be a fuse, connector corrosion, disconnected wires, etc. If the electrical sysystem is unknown, start by cleaning, or better, replacing the old fuses. Do you have a color wiring diagram from member papajam? If not, send him an email and ask him if he will send you one. A good diagram will be invaluable tracking down this and any other electrical issues. I would not condemn the ignition switch at this point.

Does your car still have the Spica fuel injection system or has it been converted to carbs? The original Spica supply pump used the #11 fuse which is the leftmost fuse in the separate, two fuse block to the left of the main fuse box. With the key on, confirm you have power to the supply pump and it is running (underneath and behind passenger seat). Knowing what kind fuel system you have will help point you in the right direction regarding addional details.

 

[Phil Stevens]

Thankyou will try this and keep you posted

 

[Phil Stevens]

Thanks for the advice guys. Will keep you posted..

 

[Shakey]

Welcome to the forums! This is a great site: lots of info, and helpful Alfa owners.

If it weren't for AlfaBB, i'd be in trouble!

 

[papajam]

Threads merged.

 

[Phil Stevens]

Ok guys, my problem continues.
Firstly thanks papajam for the excellent wiring diagram.
So, using contact cleaner and a tiny wire wheel drill attachment, I cleaned all the fuse box contacts (including the two on their own to the left). I then put in new fuses througout. Still the same ?. To clarify the problem, here gos...
I have attached loads of photos to help. Firstly using an electricity meter, there is a permanent 12v coming from the red wire into the back of the ignition switch. When I turn the switch to the first position, no power is coming out the back of the switch to any of the terminals (except the red). Surely that's not right ?!?
When I bought this S2 a few weeks ago it was a non starter and somebody has clearly been playing around under the steering column. There are two further black wires coming out the front of the switch and one of these is not connected ?!? (See photo). Also there is one red and black wire hanging down loose, which is peramently live (eek!). The only terminals I can see missing connectors is some sort of white relay? above the steering column (see photo)? Now having said all that, when I turn the key to start, some of the dials start to work, the starter turns, a spark is being delivered but no fuel is coming from the pump. I'm no electrician, but surely when you turn the key to the first position, electricity should be coming out the back of the switch and going to many components including the fuel pump?!?
Are the wires in the right place at the back of the switch?
Sorry this is so long winded, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Phil

 

[Luscombe1940]

Phil,
Can't quite tell from your photos but this is what the wiring diagram says you should have

Ignition switch has markings on the back for each terminal they are as follows

16 - green wire to starter solenoid, this wire is hot when key is in starting position
50 Black with red stripe to seat belt interlock
30 red 1.5 mm to hot side of fuse 3, this wire always hot
15/54 Brown 1.5 to hot side of fuse 6, this wire will be hot when key is in on positon

There is also a black ground wire to one side of switch barrel that goes to the ground in the dash
There is a Re/black striped wire from other side of switch barrel that goes to white block in photo that is the key buzzer. PO's normally disconnect these.

You may have multiple issues. For me, I like to remove, check, confirm operations or repair/replace and reinstall one time. then I know it is right and move on to next thing in line. Nothing like doing a quick analysis, thinking you got the gremlin and then being on the road and have it strand you.

I would remove the ignition switch, clean the terminals, bench test it and if ok, then reinstall, find all appropriate wires and reconnect.
Not sure if your seat belt interlock is causing the issue but you should have power through the switch to teminal 15/54 when the key is on, assuming that 30 is hot.

The wiring diagram will give you the wires to run down, not hard just tedious on your back upside down under the dash.

Good luck

 

[Phil Stevens]

Thanks very much Luscombe1940.
That is really helpful. Didn't realise there were numbers on the back of the switch. Will make sure the right wires are on the right terminals first. By all accounts taking off the switch is a bit of a mare ...

 

[144]

Here's a picture of my 74's switch taken years ago. See if it matches up to the wire diagram.

 

[Phil Stevens]

That's interesting. Mine are completely different to yours. Will check this out first. Thanks Roadtrip

 

[Luscombe1940]

A few more photos from my 74. However, you need ot confirm that your switch is working correctly and then trace your wires to make sure they go where they are supposed to go.

 

[Phil Stevens]

Thanks Luscombe1940. Seems like these switches differ from one to the next. Will check the numbers.

 

[Phil Stevens]

Great news folks. Would you believe it but the previous owner must have got the wires mixed up!!
Now knowing the terminals were numbered and which wire should go where, I checked and the red and black wires were on the wrong terminals ?!? Put them on the correct ones and my 74 spider sprung into life for the first time since owning her. Happy days and thanks for all your help