Try using logic!
1. Take out the spark plugs/injectors. Try and crank the engine over. Does it turn over? If it doesn't then try again with the lights on. Do the lights dim to nothing when cracking? If yes, then your battery is dead - Replace.
2. If the lights don't dim then your starter is not getting juice. Does your starter solenoid click? If not then the fault is in your ignition circuit from the battery to the solenoid, Check the ignition fuse and wiring.
3. If the solenoid is clicking. Then the fault is in the main power from the battery to the starter motor. Add a light bulb to the power connection on the starter motor, check to see if power is getting to the starter motor, if yes then the fault is in your starter motor, It could be jammed or misaligned. If not then the fault is in the solenoid or power cable to the starter.
4. If this is all correct then try the same logic to the fuel system. Start from the tank and work forward to the cylinder. Is fuel getting to the pump? Is fuel getting to the filter? Is fuel getting to the Carb/Injectors. Check for air locks all along the system.
5. If all else fails, check your timing and other issues using the same logic.
Either your starter solenoid, if not check the neutral safety or clutch safety switch.
If the key is on and the shift is in park you can safely start the unit by engaging the solenoid with a short jumper wire.
Not to bash on the last answer, but, the starter solenoid probably isn't at fault here. If it will start with the screwdriver then the starter solenoid is functioning. It either does or it doesnt. The answer lies in circuitry back from the solenoid to the ignition switch. You could have a bad ignition switch or neutral/safety switch.AnswerDefective starter solenoid.
solenod
Probably a bad starter solenoid.
Check you connections make sure there on the correct way.
usually this means that your solenoid needs to be changed
I had the same problem and it was a bad starter.
If your '99 Maxima will not start even after you have changed the starter, you might have a dead battery or a bad starter solenoid. You could also have an empty gas tank.
Check the 96 Caddys starter solenoid. Also check the wiring between the battery and the solenoid for any breaks or loose connections.
Either your starter solenoid, if not check the neutral safety or clutch safety switch.
Possible bad starter/starter solenoid. Also may be the carburetor not receiving fuel. could be a lot of things : /
If you get a click you need to replace the solenoid. if you get nothing at all replace the solenoid and buy a starter. install the solenoid first and try to start the car if it still doesn't start let it sit and then start it. try to start right after you turn it on with a jump start it might be the battery. If that doesn't work it will more than likely be the starter, so you have to install the starter. When installing the new starter you must still keep the new solenoid in. This should work I have a 96 Eddie Bauer bronco. Before you start anything check the fuses and the battery. the reason you get the solenoid and then check the battery again is because there might be a drain in the solenoid that doesn't allow the battery to hold a charge. If none of these things work turn off all the lights in your garage and have a friend try to start the car and watch the cap and rotor for electrical arc, this will also not allow the battery to charge quickly. If all else fails try the ignition.
Your solonoid needs replacing. Solenoid.
There is no such thing as a 1938 bronco. Ford didnt start production of the bronco until 1966.
Solenoid could be installed incorrectly. Could be electrical connection on the solenoid. Did you re-connect the battery? Could be a bad starter motor...or a stuck starter motor. Sometimes a light tap or two on the starter motor (not the solenoid) with a hammer will free it up.
The problem lies in the starter solenoid/relay system and sounds like the relay is faulty or a wire is disconnected. Follow the positive cable (usually red) from the battery - the other end should be connected to the solenoid/starter.