Pinto Car Club of America

OK so, my Lil horse never really needed a key, but I could start it with the switch like any other car. Now however, it refuses to start with the switch. I can "short" across the solenoid & it will fire right up. I'm not getting a 12v signal at the solenoid's "S" terminal when the switch is turned. Everything else acts normal, like the switch is actually reaching the start position, but it's not energizing the solenoid.
Any ideas oh great Pinto Gurus?

My guess would be the switch under the dash, on top of the column, went bad.  I had the same problem with my 73 and replacing the switch fixed it.  Good luck.....

Based on 71 and 76 wiring diagrams, the only thing between the key switch and the starter solenoid are a few connectors and the auto transmission neutral switch.  My first suspicion would be the neutral switch.  Try jumpering it out to see if that is the problem (ensure it is in park or neutral first).  Second, one of the connectors could be bad. Trace the red/ light blue wire from the solenoid back to the switch checking for opens.  Last, the ignition switch could have a problem.  Check for voltage on the red/ light blue wire at the ignition switch with switch turned to start.  

It LQQKS like oldkayaker  & Tigger R on the right track!!!
I agree with their advise.....
From Pintony

Thanks guys, I'll look into those possibilities tonight. Meanwhile if I can't trace it down I'll use my "Ghetto" solution, of a momentary microswitch mounted in a hidden location.