1978 Spider: Dual points not switching to starting points on

[lvacordian]

My 1978 spider isn't automatically starting on the starting points. The ignition mode relay is supposed to power up when I activate the ignition and direct power to the starting points, but it doesn't. When I bypassed the thermal switch under the intake manifold and connected the two wires, I found that the car starts up and runs fine. It idles a little fast but that's because it's running on the starting points and they are 10 degrees advanced. I even found that the heat soak problem that I thought I had before isn't an issue. Any explanations? I just recently replaced the thermal switch under the intake manifold so I can't imagine it's that. Would a faulty oil pressure switch cause the points not to switch properly? The FIAT schematic specifically shows that the oil pressure switch affects both warm and cold start ups. Maybe I should should just install the Pertronix kit that I bought years ago and eliminate the headache of dual points? Stock is always cool from a historical perspective..... I guess.

[bradartigue]

http://www.mirafiori.com/~thad/points.html

Is all I know

[seabeelt]

Have you checked that the relay actually works properly and or is getting signal,when it should? Check the ground from the relay tray to the chassis also ( under the glove box I think)

[lvacordian]

Is there supposed to be ground wire on the relay tray or is it grounded via the bolts that fasten the tray to the frame?

[lvacordian]

Is there supposed to be ground wire on the relay tray or is it grounded via the bolts that fasten the tray to the frame?

[lvacordian]

Is there supposed to be ground wire on the relay tray or is it grounded via the bolts that fasten the tray to the frame?

[seabeelt]

The tray is grounded to the frame via the screws, but the relay housing isn't necessarily ground for the relay. Need to look at the wiring diagram.

[nelsonj]

My opinion - get rid of the points and put in an electronic ignition. I don't understand why anyone would run with points unless they wanted a 100% original car. However I'm impressed you were able to locate a thermal switch.