starting issue
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
starting issue
I need help I cannot get my car to start from the ignition switch keyed cylinder. I can short it and start it from the starter with the ignition on and I can even start it by jumping between the two sides on the neutral safety switch with a wire but I can get nothing from simply turning the key. I have replaced the starter solenoid, the neutral safety switch and the ignition switch(that sits on the bottom of the steering column and by the way thanks Jim Shea for that set of papers posted that gave me the info to take apart the steering column). I dont understand how I can jump between the two sides of the neutral safety switch and get the car to fire up but the keyed ignition switch wont do it. I am already bald so I dont have any more hair to pull out. My next step was to replace the key lock cylinder but I dont want to waste any more time and money fixing things that aren't broke. Any help will be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
Make sure the ignition switch on the lower column is adjusted correctly.
It slides up and down the column and must be in the right spot for the rod to engage the "Start" position.
Ask me how I found this one out....
It slides up and down the column and must be in the right spot for the rod to engage the "Start" position.
Ask me how I found this one out....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Is the neutral switch working properly? Check the switch for continuity when in neutral.
You shouldn't have the jump the switch if you just replaced it, unless it's faulty.
You might only have to adjust the position of the switch. Adjust the switch and attempt to start. Repeat until successful.
You shouldn't have the jump the switch if you just replaced it, unless it's faulty.
You might only have to adjust the position of the switch. Adjust the switch and attempt to start. Repeat until successful.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
But I have power at the neutral safety switch only when the key is turned on so that leads me to believe that the ignition switch is on correctly. I cant figure this out. Is my logic correct?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
Is the neutral switch working properly? Check the switch for continuity when in neutral.
You shouldn't have the jump the switch if you just replaced it, unless it's faulty.
You might only have to adjust the position of the switch. Adjust the switch and attempt to start. Repeat until successful.
You shouldn't have the jump the switch if you just replaced it, unless it's faulty.
You might only have to adjust the position of the switch. Adjust the switch and attempt to start. Repeat until successful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Can you test to see if you have power at the neutral safety switch with the key in the "start" position? If neutral switch is working then power should go through the switch to the starter when in neutral. You can check for power at the purple wire at the starter solenoid at the same time; key to "start".
Your original post said you could start by jumping the neutral safety switch. Were you in "start" or "on" position?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
Nothing other than wiring.
Can you test to see if you have power at the neutral safety switch with the key in the "start" position? If neutral switch is working then power should go through the switch to the starter when in neutral. You can check for power at the purple wire at the starter solenoid at the same time; key to "start".
Your original post said you could start by jumping the neutral safety switch. Were you in "start" or "on" position?
Can you test to see if you have power at the neutral safety switch with the key in the "start" position? If neutral switch is working then power should go through the switch to the starter when in neutral. You can check for power at the purple wire at the starter solenoid at the same time; key to "start".
Your original post said you could start by jumping the neutral safety switch. Were you in "start" or "on" position?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
The only time the starter should crank is when the solenoid is energized. The only time the solenoid should be energized is when the key is held in the spring loaded start position.
When the key is released, the switch is in the "on" position. At this time you should not have power to the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid.
When the key is released, the switch is in the "on" position. At this time you should not have power to the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid.
Last edited by dannyman; Apr 25, 2011 at 09:43 PM.
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
The only time the starter should crank is when the solenoid is energized. The only time the solenoid should be energized is when the key is held in the spring loaded start position.
When the key is released, the switch is in the "on" position. At this time you should not have power to the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid.
When the key is released, the switch is in the "on" position. At this time you should not have power to the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
You may need to adjust the position of the ignition switch lower so the lever comes out of start position. You should have power only when in "start", no power when in "run/on".
If you have full travel then switch or wiring is bad.
Last edited by dannyman; Apr 26, 2011 at 07:26 PM.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Garner NC
Check the slider at the ignition switch for full travel.
You may need to adjust the position of the ignition switch lower so the lever comes out of start position. You should have power only when in "start", no power when in "run/on".
If you have full travel then switch or wiring is bad.
You may need to adjust the position of the ignition switch lower so the lever comes out of start position. You should have power only when in "start", no power when in "run/on".
If you have full travel then switch or wiring is bad.
