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Hey Guys, i've been a lurker for a while and have finally had a problem that is stumping me. I have a 76 corvette, original 350/auto trans. I have an intermittent starting problem that seems to have no pattern. It can happen hot/cold, sitting for a week or during a day of driving. It is often spaced apart.
Its like power is not getting to the starter itself. I have full working electronics everywhere else. All the grounds are good from the battery and the starter itself. The connections are all tight, and the wires seem to be in good condition. The starter itself seems to be in good condition, i replaced it about 2 years ago, and the car itself is barely driven.
I am able to start the engine with the whole screwdriver arching the starter or sometimes i just wait and it will start. Before i start the process of rewiring i thought i would see what you guys think.
I have with no success... I do not think its the neutral saftey switch, just because i think there would be a pattern with that... Like the wires separating with it getting hot and starting when cold...etc.. Although i have not tested it.. I may run a bypass to see if the problem continues if nothing else comes up first.
next time, try putting the shifter in neutral, and see if it will start. i had a bad neutral safety switch, that acted the same way. replaced it, fixed problem.
There is a switch for your ignition which is located at the base of the steering column.
It it actuated by the rod actuator connected to the ignition switch.(you turn key, rod is pushed down,to depress switch)
The switch probably has to be adjusted.
Sometimes you can check if this is the problem by turning the key switch real hard(DO NOT FORCE)when car won't start.
Easy solution, no cost.
Does it get any better?
Good Luck
The switch under the column, Sometimes it can get loose and slide farther than the rod can go, causing the starter not to engage but everything else works. Check it, pull it towards the steering wheel and re tighten. Or it is worn out at the place the rod pushes on remove two or four screws , cant remember, lift the rod out of the way of the switch lay it to the side of column where you can see it and push it with your finger, or a screwdriver. There is an lever with a whole in it in the upper column that holds the rod the whole may also be worn out enough to keep the rod from moving its full distance. I had this problem before. Intermittent ALso, the switch was loose. GOOD LUCK.
It is good to know our "crystal ball" works on occasion..
I think any problem reported is usually something someone has worked hard to find when it happened to their car.