dollarbill2470

My 740 GLE Wagon engine would not turn over, would turn over and start if jumped at the starter with screwdrive. Replaced starter and still no luck. Replaced battery terminal cabel to starter. Any advise, please help.

aleekat

If you turn the key and nothing happens, but jumpering starter it works. Suspect ignition switch or check ground cable off the battery.

KManiac

So, the starter won't engage when you turn the key, but will engage when you jump across the starter terminals. Yes, there is something you need to look at that you haven't found yet.

Is your car Manual or Automatic Transmission?

An automatic transmission equipped car has a device called the "Starter Inhibitor Switch". This device is attached to the shifter mechanism inside the console. This switch prevents you from starting your car when the transmission selector is in (gear) any position except Park (P) or Neutral (N).

Be sure your transmission selector is in either P or N when you start your car. In fact, try starting your car with the selector in both positions. If it still doesn't engage the starter, turn and hold the key in the "Start" position with one hand and move the transmission selector between and through P and N. If it still does not engage, or attempt to engage, take the console apart to expose the switch. Then jumper past the switch and try again. Then you will know whether the inhibitor switch is bad.

If your car has a manual transmission, the switch should be attached to the Clutch mechanism to prevent you from starting the car when the clutch is engaged. Be sure to push in the clutch when starting your car. Check the mechanism for an electrical switch similar to a brake light switch. Bypass this switch and try again. The car should start.

Anyway, good luck and let us know what you find.