So I'm trying to follow Mr. Silvervetteman's advice on why my transmission won't kickdown to low gear by listening for the solenoid to "click" and after disconnecting the electrical line to the cowl induction flap door thingy, I connect the battery disconnect switch and WALLA (that's a technical term) the starter starts starting!

And the ignition key is nowhere to be found.

Well, for the winter 2001/2002 suspension, brake and steering box rebuild project (that I hope I don't have to touch for another 20 years) I did have part of the steering column apart. So I'm thinking "Great! I've dorked up the column!" The last time I drove Miranda there was no problem starting or stopping or turning off the ignition.

Right now I'm glad I have the battery disconnect switch.

So, is there something in the steering column that could be causing this? My shop manual points to a bent actuator rod which is WAY down deep in the steering column - deeper than I went for the work I had to do.

Or do I have a bum starter? I have no idea how old it is beyond the 10 years that I've owned the car. But it's worked just fine during all this time. The only thing recently is that it has on occassion bogged down when first cranking, but has not had any trouble starting the 454.

Please, please, please say it's the starter and not the ignition stuff in the column.

And, those of you that don't have a battery disconnect switch, please get one. One of these days you'll be glad you have it.

And while I'm giving out free advice, please get one of these too.



You just might save a buddy's life - or mine!

Your kind and generous consideration in getting Miranda back on the road is appreciated. Thanks, GM

 

I'd hit it :smash: , the starter that is! :D

 

Thanks Rich! Should I try to swap out just the soleniod, or just go and replace the whole starter?

I think I'm gonna change my sig to say "Miranda - if it's not one thing, it's a mother"

 

Guy, I think Rich is suggesting you literally hit the starter! As in, hit it with a hammer. This is the typical recommendation when the starter wont turn over at all. Not sure if it works when the starter wont STOP!! :eek: but I guess it cant hurt. MJ

 

I am having a similar problem in my 74 L48 right now too. I don't know which wire is the "line to the cowl induction flap door thingy", but for me it happened when I hook the postive wire on the old COIL into my new MSD 6AL ignition control box. I think the old COIL had a resisitor of some kind that the new one doesn't. Is there some kind of resisitor you have bypassed by disconnecting that "line to the cowl induction flap door thingy"?

 

I don't think so. There an electrical wire running the length of the hood on the driver's side, and the connector is in front of the hood by the headlight door canister thingies. That's the power supply to the cowl induction flap door thingy.

And that's a technical term.......

 

I don't know how to fix your prob, but I gotta say, that sure is a pretty car! Very good pic of it in your sig.

 

Thanks. I'll bolt on the new/rebuilt starter tonight and update you guys. Here's the update on the diagnosis: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=324725