Starter switch question

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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RonB
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Starter switch question

Post by RonB » Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:17 am

I just had my "new" 1953 M38A1 delivered Friday. The truck driver pulled it off his truck and parked it, and left the key in the accessory position. It sat that way overnight, and the batteries ran down I thought. I've tried charging the batteries, but when I push the starter nothing happens. The starter doesn't seem to move at all. Like it's frozen in position. How much should the starter pedal move? I can't believe the switch decided to die when I got into the jeep. The truck driver looked like he had to push hard on it.


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Re: Starter switch question

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Mar 16, 2015 4:08 am

Ignition switch for M-38A1 has no accessory side. Is your Jeep supposed to be all original? Also, it is important for new M-38A1 owners to be familiar with the operation of the light switch as it can run down the batteries if it is not kept in proper position.
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RonB
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Re: Starter switch question

Post by RonB » Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:05 am

I doubt it's 100% original. The switch has 3 positions, left, up, and right. It was turned to the left and that allowed the gas gage, etc. to get power. Straight up turns the gages off. I've never owned a jeep, so I'm green as a gourd. I'm thinking my problem may be with the starter switch next to the gas petal. It doesn't seem to want to depress.

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Re: Starter switch question

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:16 am

Is it still 24 Volt? Can you post a photo of the starter and what the ignition system looks like? A lot of owners convert their M-38 and M-38A1 Jeeps to Civilian accessories as a matter of convenience due to unfamiliarity with Military Jeep. It can cause confusion to parts stores and those who are familiar with original M-38A1 set up especially when not able to look under the hood or dash.
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Re: Starter switch question

Post by RonB » Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:39 am

It's still 24 volt. I'm at work now, I'll try to get a photo tonight. Thanks.

skyjeep50
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Re: Starter switch question

Post by skyjeep50 » Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:40 am

The "starter switch" you are referring to is probably the foot rest next to the accelerator pedal. Yes, it doesn't move. The starter pedal is farther up under the dash, get down on one knee beside the jeep and look up under the dash - you'll see the pedal. You might want to head over to the http://www.willysmjeeps.com website - another excellent site for Q&A. Register and in the "Downloads" section you can find all the technical and operators manuals for your jeep plus a lot of technical information. Read through and look over the parts diagrams and familiarize yourself with all the components. In the photo section there are even more technical diagrams plus pics of members projects. If you get stumped by something, you can post a question on this site as well as at Willys M Jeeps. Just a word of caution, in a standard M38A1 or M38, you can't leave the ignition switch on for more that a few seconds without engaging the starter otherwise you may burn out the ignition points. Hopefully, the "accessory" position on your aftermarket electrical switch did not fully energize the ignition system.

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Re: Starter switch question

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:55 am

And not all M-38A1 Jeeps have the Foot Rest which is located at the upper LH side of the small Transmission Cover.
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Re: Starter switch question

Post by RonB » Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:00 am

Skyjeep50 may be correct. I bet I've been pushing on a foot rest. If so, I'm changing my screen name to BigDummy. :lol:

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Re: Starter switch question

Post by RonB » Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:52 pm

BIG DUMMY REPORTING IN.
skyjeep50, you are my hero! No wonder I couldn't push the knob down, it was the darn footrest! Found the starter higher up and to the right.
Thanks for the replies. I'll be back as soon as I can come up with an equally stupid question.

skyjeep50
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Re: Starter switch question

Post by skyjeep50 » Tue Mar 17, 2015 5:27 am

Not a stupid question at all, you just ran into the M38A1's secret anti-theft protection system, 99.9% of today's drivers couldn't find the starter pedal either. Have fun with your new jeep!

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Re: Starter switch question

Post by MASH_4077 » Sat Mar 21, 2015 12:17 pm

New guys.....gotta love em! Have fun with your jeep! And welcome to the club!!!
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