Crank him up!

With at least some of the electrics working, it was time to see if the engine would fire up. I had read on numerous forums that 500s could be a little temperamental even when in good condition, so my hopes were not high.

The starting procedure involves switching on the ignition on the steering column with the key, as with any modern car, but the starter motor is activated by a separate lever near the gear-stick.

Choke and starter motor lever

So attempt No.1. Ignition on, lights on the instrument cluster come on. Good sign!

Ignition on. Check!

Next, pull the starter motor lever.... Yes the engine turns.... Just. But then stop. Houston we have a problem. There's not quite enough juice in the battery to crank it fast enough to let it start. 

Luckily, my parents had lent me their jump start battery. After 24 hrs or so on charge, it was time for attempt number 2......

Ignition on...check. That's a relief, that still works! Next, starter lever pulled, engine turns, this time with a little more gusto than before. This is promising.

Not quite knowing whether to blip the throttle or add some choke, I do both at the same time and suddenly he comes to life! Spluttering initially, he settles down and idles quite nicely.

Result, he lives......! Here's a video of a subsequent fire up - not quite a Quentin Tarantino epic but it'll do!