Intermitten Starting problem....
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: chattanooga Tn
Intermitten Starting problem....
Alright......I have a 76 nearing bone stock.....I've done the usual, new intake,carb etc.......The problem i am having is it wont start at times...When i say wont start, i turn the key nothing happens but the seat belt sound...No pattern it seems like.....I have noticed it does it more often if i park on an incline.....Which would lead me to believe a hot wire is grounding out somewhere...The car has had a new Neg cable put on, and i have rewired the wires going to the starter....Which would leave me to think its the ignition? Any steps or suggestions to help me further diagnose.......The starter is fairly new within the last 18 months, alternator is good, i havent had the time to take a voltmeter to the wires yet.....Any other suggestions would be wonderful
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
you would be supprised how often "new" parts go bad. make sure it isn't the starter.
also check the neutral saftey switch. is it an auto or manual ?you can even try fiddling with the shifter to see if it wil work.when my brother had an auto in his mustang ,you had to push the shifter forward for the switch to make contact.
also check the neutral saftey switch. is it an auto or manual ?you can even try fiddling with the shifter to see if it wil work.when my brother had an auto in his mustang ,you had to push the shifter forward for the switch to make contact.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
From what you describe, the ignition switch may be the culprit. There's two adjusting screws on top of the steering column (don't have to remove the column, but you will likely have to lower it). When you turn the key, a rod pushes the ignition switch to the "on", then to the "start" position. If the switch comes slightly loose from it's base, and over several years of normal wear, the switch slides a bit so that the starting contacts no longer get shut. Loosening the two screws and sliding the switch an 1/8" or so in the proper direction, then retightening the screws, often does the trick. If you're going up there anyway, you may want to purchase a new ignition switch (only about $17) and replace it at the same time.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
You can try starting it in neutral and slopping the shifter around a bit.
I'm too lazy to fix my DD and have to do this just about every day.
That would be the neutral safety switch and is probably on your column, auto.
I'm too lazy to fix my DD and have to do this just about every day.
That would be the neutral safety switch and is probably on your column, auto.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: chattanooga Tn
Alright guys, its not my Safty switch....It was one of the first things i tried...Considering My DD is a 300zx with a bad switch, where i have to move the shifter to let it make contact....I will try adjusting the ignition sometime during the weekend...Thanks for the replies..
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
process of elimination. jump out the starter at the solenoid to see if it is the starter first. Then I would check out the main connector in the engine compartment. It is on the passenger side. When this gets corroded it will do what you are saying. I would check the ignition switch last as this is the hardest to get to. I changed mine wihout lowering the column, instead I took out the speedometer and went thru the dash. I'm at the age where I can't see things very well up close and it's rather tight under that dash. There's a older fellow at a local vette shop around here that can replace that switch by feel. He doesn't even lower the column.
