Starting Problems

[cruiser69]

I was having the engine cranked when I got the 12 volts at the purple wire. So that must be working ok. I was trying to test from the battery to post like you said ,but now it is starting everytime I crank it over. Someone thought that there could be bad part inside the starter. Does that sound like it could be the problem.

[tblake]

Usually if there is a bad spot on the starter, When you turn the key to the crank position, you will hear a click as the solonoid enguages, but the starter wont turn.

Just for sake of arguement, next time it doesn't start, have an assistant turn the key to the crank position and hold it there as you take a light hammer and lightly rap on the starter body to see if you can get it to go.

[cruiser69]

I tried tapping on the starter when it would not start yesterday and that did not work. I am not getting any clicking at all when it will not start.

[gonesouth]

I'll throw this in because it recently happened to me. I had the same no start condition on my Bonneville recently bought. Sometimes start, sometimes not. Dash lights on in "on" position. Turn to crank, no crank.

It turned out to be a simple adjustment to the ignition switch. The actuator rod in the column was not pushing on the switch enough to reach the crank position.

I lowered the column and loosened the switch. I moved it closer to the steering wheel. (the switch mounting holes are slotted) Tightened it all back up and it's been fine since.

One note about doing that. Your dimmer switch mounts there also. When done with the ignition switch, adjust your dimmer switch so there's not too much play in it.

Best thing, $0.

I'll add this. Take a look at a new switch on Auto Zone's website. You'll see the slots for the mounting bolts. You will need to move the dimmer switch to access the ignition switch bolts. When I adjusted my switch, I went as close toward the steering wheel as I could with it. Good luck.

[cruiser69]

Will the replacing ignition instructions in the tips and maintenance section help me adjust the switch to see if that is my problem or do I need different instructions.

[gonesouth]

Originally Posted by cruiser69

Will the replacing ignition instructions in the tips and maintenance section help me adjust the switch to see if that is my problem or do I need different instructions.

cruiser, I'm wrong. I thought the ignition switch was a similar set up to mine. Sorry. But based on your decription, I still think it may be the switch.

Did you do BNaylor's test on post #7 of this thread? I'm going to look at the wiring diagram of the switch and find which wire in the switch harness goes to the starter.

Edit:

The yellow wire coming out of the ignition switch is the output wire to the starter. Test it for voltage in crank and on positions. If you have no voltage out in the crank position, the switch is bad.

The write up on how to change the switch is very good. Here's another with pictures.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1

[cruiser69]

I did not test the igintion switch yet. I will test it the next time my car will not start. Right now it is starting up for me. Thanks for the instructions to replace igntion switch.

[cruiser69]

I have pulled the starter and it tested fine. The yellow wire from the igintion switch is only reading .02 volts. Should I assume that the ignition switch is bad and replace it?

[tblake]

The yellow wire from the ignition switch to the starter solonoid will show battery voltage (12.6v) with the key in the crank position.

[cruiser69]

When I was cranking the ignition I was not getting any volts on the yellow wire. Does that mean the ignition it probably bad.

[BNaylor]

You mean the yellow wire from the output of the ignition switch to the input of the transmission range switch aka park/neutral switch? The wire at the starter "S" solenoid connection is supposed to be purple from the transmission range switch.

The input to the ignition switch is from IGN MAIN 1 fused with a 40 amp fuse. If that is good then remove the connector to the trasmission range switch and then measure to see if you still have low .02 volts on the yellow wire with ignition in the START position. If still low then the ignition switch is bad.

[cruiser69]

I replaced the ignition switch today and the car started right up. Hopefully that solves my problem. I guess time will tell. I want to thank everyone for the help.