348 STARTER TROUBLE(REMOVAL)

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This is a chronic problem on 348's. Try a little experiment. If the starter won't crank over on the key, try this. Make absolutely certain that your shifter is in neutral. Pull the smaller, plug-in wire off the starter. Then jump the two terminals on the starter together for an instant with a screwdriver, or with a remote starter button. If the starter WILL crank over under these conditions, but not with the key, then there isn't sufficient voltage reaching the starter to engage it, even if you are showing that power IS coming through the signal wire.

You will find several posts on this subject in the archives. It is at least possible that the problem is related to bad battery connections, either at the battery itself, the chassis ground, or the plug connection in the positive cable. But try jumping the terminals on the starter, and you will be able to eliminate battery problems as a cause.

You may end up needing a new ignition switch, or a "relay kit".

The starter is very easy to remove. Two bolts. Make sure the battery is disconnected first.

 

If you have your battery in the rear of the car, have a look at the bullet connector that runs from the battery to the starter. Unplug it then plug it back together. Sometimes the male and female ends don't have proper connection and cause the problem you are talking about. So just unplug it then plug it back together and make sure it is making good contact. You may also want to change it to a solid wire to eliminate the problem altogether.

 

....also use a multimeter to check your battery's state of charge. A partially discharged battery is murderous to the starter. Good luck.

 

There was an update kit to convert to a rotary switch for this very issue ten years ago. Comprehensive and worth it for a car not yet updated. Don't know if the kit's still available.

Best regards,

Rob Schermerhorn

 

I think this is the link to that problem/solution:
http://www.ferrariforum.net/tech/view.php?id=22