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Regular
Posts: 99
| Few days ago, pulled the DeSoto out so I could get the other car out and later that day, it wouldn't even try to turn over. No clicking. Just absolute dead silence.
Here's what I've tried and observed:
Accessories work, turning the key to start, the interior lights do not dim, and the ammeter doesn't move.
Brand new battery installed as it was an old battery that was probably on its last leg. No difference.
Cleaned battery ground cable to block connection.
Removed and cleaned all contacts on the starter relay -- when turning the key, I get ~12.8v at both the solenoid (SOL) and ignition (IGN) terminals. I think this rules it out, right?
Tapped (gently) the starter solenoid and the starter itself. No dice.
Pulled the ignition switch and looked at the back of it with a mirror -- wires were attached and no bare posts or anything like that.
Took a look at the starter and solenoid connections from the starter relay -- couldn't quite reach them but they look OK -- no evident corrosion, rust, etc.
Attempted starting in gear and while wiggling/depressing and releasing the N switch. Again, nada.
Questions:
Have I ruled out a faulty starter relay sufficiently? If not, how else to test?
Is there any component that is likely to just quit without warning (the way it did) that I should look at next? Any other ideas? I'm stuck on a sloped driveway so can't even push it back into the garage and jacking it up is problematic. Would appreciate any advice! Thanks! |
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Expert
Posts: 1514
 
Location: Pacific Northwest | Did you try jumping across the solenoid? key on, either two screwdrivers or a pair of channel locks, jump the two post on the solenoid and see if the starter starts.
I had a wire on the windings in the starter come loose on me. Took a while to narrow it down but once the starter was on the bench it was all clear.
Edited by ABloch 2025-08-13 9:17 AM
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 11086
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
1. Is the transmission in Neutral?
2. Is the neutral safety switch working?
3. Is the wiring to/from the neutral safety switch intact (no breaks, disconnected, etc)?
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=69708&...
Good luck.
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Expert
Posts: 4220
 
Location: Connecticut | My guess is that it's related to the neutral safety switch. It's possible that the wire running to the switch has come off. Ron |
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Regular
Posts: 99
| Guys,
Thanks for the ideas and detailed answers... ! I'm super grateful...
Going to look into that neutral safety switch tomorrow (hoping it is just a disconnected wire). But if not, will remove and test it.
And if the NSS checks out, will look at bypassing the solenoid but I was going to do it a little differently to keep me safe as I am paranoid when it comes to electricity -- using jumper cables, one end will go at solenoid/starter connector (solenoid is mounted on starter) and the other end to the + on battery with the key in Run position -- I believe it should crank and once started, simply remove the end from the + on the battery.
I will let you know how it goes, either way. Thanks again! |
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Regular
Posts: 99
| Status update --
Neutral Safety Switch and wiring are good -- checked for continuity and function with multimeter. Continuity in N; not in any gear.
Bypassed the solenoid as described in prior post. Sounds like the starter is spinning but isn't engaging.
Dead solenoid, right? Does the group concur or is there something else I ought to try next?
So riddle me this -- and this is where it gets weird, so I commend the brave...
Tag on starter is Part #1689 342; Auto-lite # is MDL-6001, both missing from the Catalog.
The car has a 1956 330 engine in it (S24-T244T); per Catalog on page 8-82, the only 1956 DeSoto application I can find is Part #1642 140 / MDF-6001
I know there were a lot of one-year only parts but can anyone tell me if the starters/solenoids are exclusive by year? I think there are some exceptions, though stated as exclusive; e.g., the distributor is from the '57...!
I've found these solenoids on eBay but not sure which one to purchase. Any guidance on which one to buy or find out which one to buy?
New Old Stock Starter Solenoid for 1956-60 DeSoto Chrysler Models Mopar #1770717 -- on page 8-86, listed for the S26 (see post script below)
New Old Stock Starter Solenoid for 1956-60 DeSoto Chrysler Mopar #1658985 -- on page 8-86, listed for the S24
Thanks for reading -- and your thoughts!
p.s. I have the original 341 that I'd like to rebuild probably once I retire in a few years; the 330 is sort of sick with low compression on #5. Once I can get it started and back in the garage where it belongs, I will do a leakdown test -- and probably report on it here... if it will require a rebuild (e.g., rings), I'm leaning to doing the 341 sooner but if the low compression just requires head work, I'd be inclined to "band-aid" it so I can at least drive and hopefully enjoy it now.
Edited by 57Fireflite 2025-08-14 10:44 PM
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 11086
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
As far as I can see from the 55-58 Mopar parts book, 1642 140 / MDF-6001 is a good 1956 Desoto and Chrysler V8 starter part number.
As per the photos below, it has an external solenoid that, I think, pulls in to throw the starter gear into the ring gear on the flywheel/torque converter.
If it is NOT doing that, then you will need to find a new solenoid.
BUT before you do that, you need to check if the external starter solenoid is working (or not). This might involve removal of the starter and bench
testing the solenoid (with 12 V applied to the correct terminal)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/326363664499
Edited by 56D500boy 2025-08-15 2:59 AM
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Expert
Posts: 1514
Location: Pacific Northwest | Jeebuz!! $250? To be sure, pull the starter and bench test it before throwing money at it. Battery, jumper cables, ground the solenoid and add some juice. Google it. Lots of quick videos.
I think I have an extra solenoid kicking around if you need one. Hell Rockauto has one for $103. |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 11086
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
1658 985 lists for 56 Chrysler and Desotos
There are a few out there:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/274689675698
Including "1889799 [supercedes to 1658985, 1752369 & 1770717]"
1770717 is a later/improved (?) version of the same thing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285568992106
Edited by 56D500boy 2025-08-15 9:50 AM
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Expert
Posts: 3489
Location: Chestertown, NY ( near Lake George) | I've used a Ford solenoid in a 59 Coronet, for an external solenoid.
Edited by Shep 2025-08-15 9:18 AM
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Expert
Posts: 4220
Location: Connecticut | Instead of throwing hundreds of dollars at solenoids that may or may not fit your starter, I would get the correct starter from a parts car. Chances are, the correct solenoid would be attached. You could contact John Fowlie at BigMAuto (BigmAuto.com). It would probably cost you less than the NOS ones on ebay. Once you have the correct starter, I would rebuild it by cleaning the commutator and replacing the brushes. Bench test, then install. Ron |
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Expert
Posts: 1514
Location: Pacific Northwest | Are you back on the road James? |
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Regular
Posts: 99
| Hey guys,
Sorry I've been a bit unresponsive -- had a major laptop crash and am slowly putting it back together. Anyway...
Upshot is that the neutral safety switch checked out.
Decided to pull the assembly and immediately found the issue: the two "faceplate" screws that hold the front of the solenoid to the body had rattled out and disappeared, leaving it dangling by two wires, one of which broke.
Disassembled, cleaned up and reattached the wire. Reinstalled and voila.
Pictures attached.
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 IMG_0709.jpeg (132KB - 186 downloads)
IMG_0710.heic (76KB - 202 downloads)
IMG_0714.heic (58KB - 240 downloads)
IMG_0716.jpeg (106KB - 172 downloads)
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Sudden no crank situation
