pats67copo

Hi Everyone,
I've been having a problem with my 78 when you turn the key to start it nothing no click no crank turn the key to off and then to start it's starts up sometimes you have to do it more than once. Today went to start it and nothing have tried the on off thing numerous times nothing interior lights are bright when in on position when in start position they dim checked both battery cables and tightened cleaned main ground on frame nothing. Where do I go from here car is automatic
Should I be looking at ignition switch, neutral safety switch, starter solenoid or starter

Pat

MelWff

next time it happens move shifter to neutral and see if it starts
did you check all the connections at the starter and solenoid?

Haggisbash

I had the same problem, it was a worn ignition switch. The switch is mounted on top of the steering column operated by a rod from the key switch. There is a a fore and aft adjustment for this switch so the problem could be there.

VERYSOON

This could very well be your problem. The switch can be adjusted fore and aft. After lots of years of use the contacts wear down. Get a new one. I doubt they are more than ten bucks. I had this exact situation on my 1980 Bronco!

VS

pats67copo

Hi,
Thanks for the reply,
I checked the main ground on the frame and pulled the starter out to bench test it and the solenoid both were bad installed a new starter and solenoid turned the key and still nothing.
Is there a fuse or relay for the starter that might of also gone bad?

pats67copo

thanks for that info is there a way to test the switch?

pats67copo

Hi thanks for the reply is there any way to test the switch?

MelWff

did you test with a helper whether you are getting power to the starter solenoid when the key is turned to start?
you did check the fusible link going to the starter?

pats67copo

No I didn't is that in the fuse box?

MelWff

it is part of the wire harness near the starter

pats67copo

update
starter solenoid and starter were toast installed new and all is good

pats67copo

update
missed putting ground wire back on starter Dum put it on and all is good

Skootter14

I am having the same problem (sorry, hope I am not thread jacking). I have bench tested my starter, works great. had the car starting with the key but it was VERY unreliable. I have found that if I tilt the steering column fully up and fully down while turning the key, it will sometimes start when I find the "sweet spot." It is very annoying.

I am currently breaking down my column (I am down to the lock plate and need the lock plate puller thing to push it down so I can take off the C-clip retainer). My question is, can anyone provide me more direct assistance on where exactly this ignition switch is located and how far I need to break down the column to find it and swap it out? I assume this switch IS NOT the key tumbler, but probably something that is activated by the tumbler.

Any help is appreciated. My thread for my build can be found at: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ld-thread.html so I do not jack this thread. Thank you in advance!

VERYSOON

Hey Skooter
The ignition relay switch is on top of the column just before you get to the firewall. You will see a steel rod going to it. That is the rod ******** would grab and push forward when trying to steal your car in the 70"s after destroying the key lock with a screw driver.
If your car is manual there is also a switch that makes you push in the clutch before the starter will work, also.
Hope this helps.

VS

Skootter14

@VERYSOON Thank you. I ended up breaking down the column to get to the signal wires. . . realized that is not the wires associated with starting the vehicle (hahaha)

Re assembled the column, and then dropped the column and found the switch. Got it replaced, thanks!

1 last question: there was a blue plastic "peg" on the Duralast Ignition Switch (from Autozone) and that peg broke off when I tested the key turn to make sure the metal rod moved correctly. I did not have the battery hooked up and the column is still resting on the floorboard. Can you tell me if that blue peg is designed to break off when you use the item for the first time? I am really hoping that is a device used to tell if the item has been installed on a vehicle so it cannot be returned (fingers crossed. . . ). Any further help is appreciated!

VERYSOON

Skooter
I can't answer your question but it doesn't sound right to me. I might return it to auto zone. Take a look at a switch from JEGS or SUMMIT and see what it looks like.

Was wondering if you tested the old switch by pulling the rod into the contacts. Take off coil wire to dizzy and hook up battery and see if starter can be bumped.

VS

Skootter14

So I believe that blue peg was either meant to break OR it was supposed to be pulled out. The car starts great now in all tilt positions with zero issues.

I appreciate everyone's help through this

VERYSOON

Glad you got it sorted out!! That relay is often overlooked as a source of the problem. Ask me how I know!! heehee

VS