1985 Starting Issue
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1985 Starting Issue
My '85 automatic has an intermittent starting issue. When I turn the key nothing happens. The dash lights up but there are no clicks. The battery is good, starter is relatively new (a couple of years old). All of the connections seem tight,,,but sometimes it will fire right up. I know of a few things that could cause this but thought it better that it go to my mechanic who might be better able to diagnose the issue. After it sat there for 10 days without being looked at I decided to bring it home. What would most likely cause this issue? Ignition switch? Neutral safety switch? Something I'm not aware of? Appreciate any help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
Unfortunately this is one of those PITA problems. So when it happens with key turned try shaking the shifter or slide to neutral see if it goes.
If it doesn't get a friend either raise up the car put a DMM or simple test light to the starter command wire on the solenoid and see if voltage is there with key to crank position. If it is and starter still isn't moving, get a hammer give the starter a smack get car started and drive to part store for solenoid or starter if you are sure all wires are tight
If it doesn't get a friend either raise up the car put a DMM or simple test light to the starter command wire on the solenoid and see if voltage is there with key to crank position. If it is and starter still isn't moving, get a hammer give the starter a smack get car started and drive to part store for solenoid or starter if you are sure all wires are tight
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Unfortunately this is one of those PITA problems. So when it happens with key turned try shaking the shifter or slide to neutral see if it goes.
If it doesn't get a friend either raise up the car put a DMM or simple test light to the starter command wire on the solenoid and see if voltage is there with key to crank position. If it is and starter still isn't moving, get a hammer give the starter a smack get car started and drive to part store for solenoid or starter if you are sure all wires are tight
If it doesn't get a friend either raise up the car put a DMM or simple test light to the starter command wire on the solenoid and see if voltage is there with key to crank position. If it is and starter still isn't moving, get a hammer give the starter a smack get car started and drive to part store for solenoid or starter if you are sure all wires are tight
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 35
From: wylie texas
crawl under car next time happens and hit starter w hammer see if it frees up. (sign of bad starter / solenoid or bad connection)
make sure shifter is engaging neutral safety switch. wiggle shifter around back and forth and see if cranks.
still no go,
check for bad starter wiring connection at solenoid even if newish replacement.
then start checking for voltage at fuse box, starter solenoid, crank circut at solenoid
could be bad fuseable link (sometimes makes connection sometime not)
make sure shifter is engaging neutral safety switch. wiggle shifter around back and forth and see if cranks.
still no go,
check for bad starter wiring connection at solenoid even if newish replacement.
then start checking for voltage at fuse box, starter solenoid, crank circut at solenoid
could be bad fuseable link (sometimes makes connection sometime not)
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