The starter failed on my firefly yesterday. I bump started it to get it home. After removing the starter I found the wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter motor had rotted off. If you remove the two screws and two bolts from the end of the starter, you can solder a new wire in. Be sure to use heavy enough wire and clean the connections very well before soldering. I used a few pieces of stranded wire from an extension cord stripped and twisted together. No warranty on this repair, but I did this before on an '89 swift and it lasted for years. cheers!

You too?

http://geometroforum.com/topic/1220778/1/?x=90

Seems like a bad design. Other starters I've seen either have a protective sheath over that copper wire or I've even seen a stainless steel wire used.

http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt182/rooy1/metro/starter/th_DSCF2431.jpg (http://s610.photobucket.com/albums/tt182/rooy1/metro/starter/?action=view&current=DSCF2431.jpg)

i don't envy you folks in the salty cold environments. even in so cal i find a few spots where exposed wires and connections are a problem. i've had good success with covering wires and terminals completely with layers of 'liquid electrical tape'. there are a few brands. the trick i think is to make a complete seal. i use dielectric grease too.