Hi All,
I have a starting problem on my 4x4 - Think it's the ignition switch but just want to check. I have 12.4 and 12.5 volts on the yellow and red wires at the end of the switch on the steering wheel. However, on turning to activate - I'm only seeing between 9.5 and 10 volts on the blue/black wire. These are all soldered joints on the back of the switch. This mirrors what is going to the starter motor. I don't know, but is that too low for the starter motor to kick in. It does kick in sometimes but probably only 1 in 10 turns. Do I get a new switch or is there something that can be done with the existing one?

Cheers

 

I would check basics like battery connections, esp earths, is the battery any good, as multi metres don't need any current(as such) and can be very misleading showing good voltage, but obscuring problems such as bad earth, this will happily give 12v to the digi metre but as soon as any load applied like bulbs starter lacks the current(amps) carrying ability to work.
tabetha

 

we put a mains charger onto the battery to rule out this. The mechanic also said that it wouldn't kick in even when bridging the connections on the starter - thinking now the starter is dodgey - even though we've replaced the solenoid.

 

When you say it didn't kick in do you mean it spun but didn't engage on the engine, or that it did nothing at all no sound ?
tabetha