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C3 starting problem

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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 12:07 PM
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Default C3 starting problem

Has anyone experienced a staring problem like this? When I go to start my 76, sometimes there is nothing when I turn the key to start but if I push the brake pedal down it'll start. Also if the car has been driven a while and then shut off, when I come out to start it, again nothing happens? have to wait for about 10 minutes and then it'll start...strange phenominum. Got any suggestions/advise?
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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If this is an automatic have you tried shifting into neutral to see if the same thing occurs?
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 02:17 PM
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no, I haven't tried that but I have tried putting it into gear and then back to park and still nothing but will give that a try and see what happens. Any other thoughts?
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 02:31 PM
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When the car won't start,Try turning ignition switch hard and hold to see if the starts.....

If it helps ,your start switch on the lower back of the steering column has to be adjusted...

good luck
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 02:38 PM
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Thanks...will check that as well.
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 03:48 PM
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My 76 has some starting problems also, but the 2nd or 3rd turn of the key it starts fine. Mine won't even try to start in neutral, it must be in park.
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Old Jun 29, 2012 | 08:46 AM
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This is similar...sometimes starts on the second try but sometimes I have to wait. I tried the neutral position yesterday and it started each time. I have to do a bit more investigating over the weekend...might be a ground connection or possibly the power side of the switch or starter soleniod... ohhhh...I hate electrical problems! Thanks for the insight.
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Old Jun 29, 2012 | 09:37 AM
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OK, you need to start looking with a volt meter or test light when you have a no start situation. You need to see if all connections to the starter are good and clean & tight. Cables need to be tight at battery, and ground cable clean at frame connection. Then start checking for 12 to starter control wiring, no 12 volt there, then start tracing back towards ignition switch, thru safety switches(where I think you may have an adjustment off). If you have 12 volt at starter, then trouble is towards starter(probably the solenoid). Is the starter original?? If so has it been taken apart lately(last 20 years or so).

It could be a set of brushes in the starter(about $1.00 in parts) It could be a loose connection on the starter causing all of this.
for us to tell you where the problem is, you have to narrow down the problem, we can not do that from our computers. Once narrowed down, we can help more.

Last edited by lvmyvt76; Jul 1, 2012 at 12:29 PM.
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Old Jun 29, 2012 | 10:23 AM
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Thanks for all the info...will give these a go over the weekend and see what I find. Hopefully one of these will be the fix...have a great weekend...Cheers!
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