Odd starting attempt... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BlckButy · 06-07-2009, 01:23 AM

While working on my truck this morning, I accidently left the key turned to the accessory position, stepped away about 30 ft from the truck and all of a sudden it attempted to start itself. I ran back to the truck jumped in and turned the key to the off position. Needless to say my heart was racing...

Has anyone heard of this? What could have caused this?

Since this happened I have been a little worried about leaving the battery hooked up. Should I be concerned? Obviously something isn't quite right.

Indyuke · 06-07-2009, 01:34 AM

Kinda had something like this happen to me a while ago. Went to start the truck, and it started like it was supposed to. But on returning the key to the on position, the starter kept spinning, but not because it was stuck.

Turning the key to any position didn't make a difference, the starter was still engaged with the engine running. Then all of sudden about 15-20 seconds later the stater disengaged and turned off. Thought I'd lose my starter.

The only thing I could conclude was a serious short in the ignition switch. Might be your issue as well.

**LockDoc** · 06-07-2009, 08:48 AM

I would tend to agree with Indyduke. Ignition switch is where I would start anyway. And yes, I would leave the battery unhooked until I got it sorted...

LockDoc

**Boog** · 06-07-2009, 08:58 AM

[Should I be concerned? ] Well yeah. It's not supposed to do that. I wouldn't want to have had my hands down in the front of the engine when it started turning over. That would leave a mark....

Is the ign switch an old one? Maybe a bit loose. Removing the + cable is def a good idea until you get it resolved.

**GruntMoanCough** · 06-07-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Has anyone heard of this? What could have caused this?

Poltergeist........

big_al_71 · 06-07-2009, 01:15 PM

Christine!!!!

I would not check but replace the ignition switch

..

**lolife99** · 06-07-2009, 01:19 PM

I agree,... ignition switch!

69halfton · 06-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

[Should I be concerned? ] Well yeah. It's not supposed to do that.

aha boog, that made me laugh, not sure if it was supposed to be sarcastic, but it read that way to me

I have to agree, ignition switch,

or those dang shop elves again..

72BlckButy · 06-07-2009, 02:55 PM

Thanks for that boog...

I know it's something to be concerned with, so it looks like I will be replacing the ignition switch pretty soon.

Anyone have a recommendation for the part? Local parts supplier? Specialty shop (Classic Parts, LMC,...)?

**LockDoc** · 06-07-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Thanks for that boog...

I know it's something to be concerned with, so it looks like I will be replacing the ignition switch pretty soon.

Anyone have a recommendation for the part? Local parts supplier? Specialty shop (Classic Parts, LMC,...)?

If you can find one local I think I would do that. Do you have a NAPA close? If so call them and see. I've had good luck with their elec. parts.

LockDoc

**mr48chev** · 06-07-2009, 07:01 PM

The good Napa should be this one
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...Starter+Switch
It isn't inexpensive but it should be as good as any you can buy. They also sell one for about half that that price which is an ok switch.

72BlckButy · 06-07-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

If you can find one local I think I would do that. Do you have a NAPA close? If so call them and see. I've had good luck with their elec. parts.

LockDoc

We do have a NAPA store in the area, so I will be calling them this week to see what they have in stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The good Napa should be this one
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...Starter+Switch
It isn't inexpensive but it should be as good as any you can buy. They also sell one for about half that that price which is an ok switch.

Thanks for the info mr48chev! I hope that I don't sound bad bad in asking, but why is the one switch better than the other? More for informational purposes than trying to save a few extra $$$...

**LockDoc** · 06-07-2009, 10:51 PM

-
You would have to ask the counter person where each one is made. One might be US and one overseas. I haven't compared the two...

LockDoc

mrein3 · 06-08-2009, 07:15 AM

I would purchase the switch but also be prepared to replace the plug that plugs into the back of the switch. When I got my truck 15 years ago the wires were melted and spliced. I ordered a new switch and plug from LMC, connected everything properly, and never looked back.

c0reDump · 06-08-2009, 11:57 AM

Shouldn't you remove the negative cable (not the + cable) ?

06-07-2009, 01:23 AM	#1
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Odd starting attempt... While working on my truck this morning, I accidently left the key turned to the accessory position, stepped away about 30 ft from the truck and all of a sudden it attempted to start itself. I ran back to the truck jumped in and turned the key to the off position. Needless to say my heart was racing... Has anyone heard of this? What could have caused this? Since this happened I have been a little worried about leaving the battery hooked up. Should I be concerned? Obviously something isn't quite right. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

06-07-2009, 01:34 AM	#2
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Odd starting attempt... Kinda had something like this happen to me a while ago. Went to start the truck, and it started like it was supposed to. But on returning the key to the on position, the starter kept spinning, but not because it was stuck. Turning the key to any position didn't make a difference, the starter was still engaged with the engine running. Then all of sudden about 15-20 seconds later the stater disengaged and turned off. Thought I'd lose my starter. The only thing I could conclude was a serious short in the ignition switch. Might be your issue as well.

06-07-2009, 08:48 AM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,774	Re: Odd starting attempt... I would tend to agree with Indyduke. Ignition switch is where I would start anyway. And yes, I would leave the battery unhooked until I got it sorted... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

06-07-2009, 08:58 AM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,514	Re: Odd starting attempt... [Should I be concerned? ] Well yeah. It's not supposed to do that. I wouldn't want to have had my hands down in the front of the engine when it started turning over. That would leave a mark.... Is the ign switch an old one? Maybe a bit loose. Removing the + cable is def a good idea until you get it resolved. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

06-07-2009, 01:15 PM	#6
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Odd starting attempt... Christine!!!! I would not check but replace the ignition switch.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

06-07-2009, 01:19 PM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Odd starting attempt... I agree,... ignition switch! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

06-07-2009, 02:55 PM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Odd starting attempt... Thanks for that boog... I know it's something to be concerned with, so it looks like I will be replacing the ignition switch pretty soon. Anyone have a recommendation for the part? Local parts supplier? Specialty shop (Classic Parts, LMC,...)? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 06-07-2009 at 02:55 PM.

06-07-2009, 07:01 PM	#11
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,708	Re: Odd starting attempt... The good Napa should be this one http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...Starter+Switch It isn't inexpensive but it should be as good as any you can buy. They also sell one for about half that that price which is an ok switch.

06-07-2009, 10:51 PM	#13
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,774	Re: Odd starting attempt... - You would have to ask the counter person where each one is made. One might be US and one overseas. I haven't compared the two... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

06-08-2009, 07:15 AM	#14
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Odd starting attempt... I would purchase the switch but also be prepared to replace the plug that plugs into the back of the switch. When I got my truck 15 years ago the wires were melted and spliced. I ordered a new switch and plug from LMC, connected everything properly, and never looked back. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

06-08-2009, 11:57 AM	#15
c0reDump Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 3	Re: Odd starting attempt... Shouldn't you remove the negative cable (not the + cable) ?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.