If you have disconnected the wiring from the back of the ignition switch so that you just have a bundle of wires, take a voltmeter and connect the - side to ground, then find the lead that's always hot. IIRC it's the thickest wire, and is red. You should then have two other wires (not including wiring for the radio and other accessories).

BRIEFLY touch the known hot lead to one of the other wires--either the starter will turn or the ignition/oil pressure lights will illuminate and the gauges will come alive. When you've determined which is the ignition lead, the other one will energize the starter.

So...hook the hot lead to the ignition lead, then touch the starter lead to the other two until the engine starts, then release the starter lead.

cheers
mike
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'69 Nevada sunroof--"Wolfgang"--bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-- "Ludwig"--mine since '78
'87 eta E30 coupe--"Johannes"
+ Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette)...
and Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

You can just run a wire from the battery directly to the positive post on the coil... that'll turn on the ignition system and accessories...
to trigger the starter, just put a screwdriver across the posts on the back of the starter (while holding plastic handle of course). You've got to lay it across the big positive post as well as the solenoid and starter motor post. If you get it wrong it'll just hum without engaging, wiggle it and you'll engage it.
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1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater

Unscrew the ignition switch with the single screw from the back. Put all the wires back where they belong. Use a screwdriver to turn it. You won't hurt anything and you don't have to electrocute yourself.
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ClayW
1976 Fjord 2002 Sunroof

Project Blog

"Finish the thing, do it right the first time and drive the son of a bitch!"
-Gray Baskerville on hot rod advice

Wow, did I call this one wrong....chris

What color is it? I love the targas

Don't worry; a deviant would have looked here first.

http://www.google.com/search?q=hot+wire+a+car&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enCN274CN274

Cheers,

Ray

achilles wrote:

Wow, did I call this one wrong....chris

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'73 ///M2 2.5
'84 ///M635CSi

ClayW wrote:

Unscrew the ignition switch with the single screw from the back. Put all the wires back where they belong. Use a screwdriver to turn it. You won't hurt anything and you don't have to electrocute yourself.

Yes, use Clay's method. It is the easiest by far. I believe there are actually two screws that fasten the ignition switch to the back side of the tumbler assembly on the steering column, assuming the Targa has the same steering column lock system as a standard 2002.
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Jerry

Hi all,

Thanks for the info, i'll give it a go (hopefully it'll start first time!) and i'll keep you posted about the progress of the restoration.

Hundekot, it’s fjord blue

Chris, i think in retrospect you're quite right, i did think after posting my original question that the subject wasnt really appropriate, but as mentioned my intentions are honest, a bit naive maybe, but obviously others reading this thread may not be.

So, if the site moderator wishes to remove this thread, please do so.

And if anyone has a full set of secondhand locks please let me know.
Otherwise, its brand new - ouch!
Also any recommedations for bodywork restorers?

thanks

franc

There's no need for getting all new locks. Just get an '02 key and rearrange the tumblers in your locks to fit it. It's not that difficult, just a little time for trial and error. Also its a good time to lube up your locks with some dry graphite powder, so it'll prevent future problems (as I have had...)
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1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater

KFunk wrote:

There's no need for getting all new locks. Just get an '02 key and rearrange the tumblers in your locks to fit it. It's not that difficult, just a little time for trial and error. Also its a good time to lube up your locks with some dry graphite powder, so it'll prevent future problems (as I have had...)

And, here's how to do it:

Zenon Holtz' Guide to Unsticking and Rekeying BMW 2002 Door Locks



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ClayW
1976 Fjord 2002 Sunroof

Project Blog

"Finish the thing, do it right the first time and drive the son of a bitch!"
-Gray Baskerville on hot rod advice

Is it possible to take the ignition lock barrel apart to fit a new key to.
I've got the lock off the steering shaft, but i cant find a key code and i loathed to have to buy a whole new lock.

Awsome Site. that is exactly my issue (broken door lock tumbler). I will try to fix mine.
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75 2002