Ignition problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Albury NSW
Ignition problem
Hey guys, my 86 C4 won’t turn over, I have ignition lights but no one is home, turn key to start, dash lights go out, have put gear shift into neutral & park to to no effect. Battery has full charge all other electrics seem to be working but motor will not even attempt to turn over, where to start???
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Albury NSW
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,713
Likes: 5,609
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
When I had my 1989 C4, had similar problems, when turn the key nothing happens, one trick was to take pencil eraser to rub the pellet, or try another keys you might have, if possible.
I also found out this was common problem with C4, of have the starter not turning over, when you turn the key.
What I found out was GM had a TSB out on the ignitions switch for replacement. When I replaced ignition switch, I never had another problem.
Now remember this TSB, only comes under warranty if the car was in warranty. So I paid for the repairs, best money I ever spent, cause it was constantly giving me problems.
You might want to look into the ignition switch replacement, remember you need to know the number of key, to replace with the same key (VAT) number.
I also found out this was common problem with C4, of have the starter not turning over, when you turn the key.
What I found out was GM had a TSB out on the ignitions switch for replacement. When I replaced ignition switch, I never had another problem.
Now remember this TSB, only comes under warranty if the car was in warranty. So I paid for the repairs, best money I ever spent, cause it was constantly giving me problems.
You might want to look into the ignition switch replacement, remember you need to know the number of key, to replace with the same key (VAT) number.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,429
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
BTW, all you are doing is verifying that there is 12V. It does not mean squat. So if I lined up a bunch of batteries and get 12V, it doesn't mean they have the capacity to start a motor.
Last edited by aklim; Oct 18, 2020 at 12:28 PM.
