82 intermittent starting
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Peoria IL
82 intermittent starting
My 82 has had intermittent starting issues everything powers on but engine doesn’t crank or click after driving then starts after setting in happened last year and I replaced the solenoid and the starter cable with the fuseable link. I also replaced the battery this year. I didn’t have a problem all year until I had the car in the shop for a different issue and they called to let me now it wouldn’t start after I had just dropped it off they checked wiring to starter and it only showed 6 volts and they could jump starter at starter connection to get to start after that it started every time so they couldn’t check out anything further. I drove it yesterday to the store came out and it wouldn’t start until I waited about an hour, shop thinks it might be starter relay interrupt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I had the same problem once and it turned out to be the electrical portion of the ignition switch (mounted on top of the steering column under the dash). The switch contacts wear over time and wouldn't make a proper connection except when cold. The switch is actuated by a rod from the key part and there is a fore-aft adjustment of the electric switch. Could also be the relay interrupt too, does it make any difference if you try to start it in neutral rather than park?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Next time it happens put it in neutral.
Using your left hand to turn the key try moving the shifter slightly and see if it starts.
Did this on my 79 after years of thinking starter problem. I knew it would eventually start after about 30 minutes so so just accommodated it.
Turns out it's the neutral safety switch out of adjustment.
Someday I'll adjust it but for now it's a "theft prevention".
Using your left hand to turn the key try moving the shifter slightly and see if it starts.
Did this on my 79 after years of thinking starter problem. I knew it would eventually start after about 30 minutes so so just accommodated it.
Turns out it's the neutral safety switch out of adjustment.
Someday I'll adjust it but for now it's a "theft prevention".
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 206
Likes: 44
From: San Antonio, TX
Also, going off of what you've posted so there's some details missing that would help us to further help you troubleshoot.
1. Does the engine turn over? (attempting to start)
2. If it does attempt to start, is fuel coming from the injectors? (remove air cleaner to see if it's spraying)
Some things I would check are under the distributor cap, make sure it looks good and check the rotor too.
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Peoria IL
1. The engine doesn’t attempt to start no click nothing but I have power but today I took it out for a long drive amd wouldn’t start again when I got it home and while attempting to start it blew the 20 amp fuse that controls the radio interior lights and key alarm not sure if that is related