help! starting problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RainDog · 04-06-2002, 08:31 PM

hey guys--Been having trouble starting my truck lately--it would turn over fine most the time, but once every other day or so (usually when the engine was already warm) I'd turn the key and nothing. I'd have to jump the starter with a screwdriver. I had no trouble running my stereo, not low on juice, so I was thinking the problem was probably the solenoid in the starter.
Well, when I finished installing a new oil pressure gauge today, I noticed that the cab light wouldn't turn off. Fiddled with everything, ended up just disconnecting one of the battery cables. Any ideas on whether these two problems are related??? I'll have to hook the battery back up tomorrow and see if the light comes back on, but it kind of sounds to me like a short or ground problem>???? Not too experienced with electrical stuff, so I'm kind of stumped. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

RainDog

Gordo · 04-06-2002, 08:45 PM

Could be just coincidence with the two problems at the same time. When the starter acts up do you get just a click? The next time the starter acts up, put a test light on the "S" terminal of the selnoid and have someone turn the key to start, (be sure to block wheels and set e-brake) the test light should light up, if not check the neutral safety switch, ignition switch and wiring to and from each. If the test light lights up the starter/selnoid itself may be the problem,,did you check the condition of the brushes of the starter motor while you were in there? If the brushes are worn way down you would have those syptoms also. Be sure the bat terminals are clean as well.

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi
Killingworth, Connecticut

[This message has been edited by Gordo (edited April 06, 2002).]

lukecp · 04-06-2002, 08:52 PM

I am guessing you mean dome light by cab light. I had the same problem, i was taking out the stubborn light rod on the light switch, and somehow broke the light switch. The dome light wouldn't shut off, so i ripped the bulb out of the socket....i need to get a new switch sometime...

------------------
Lucas

"Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built"

drop_shift@hotmail.com

My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include TBI fuel injection, a 700R4 tranny, and possibly some 3.73 rear gears.

Andy4639 · 04-06-2002, 10:11 PM

I have had the same thing happen with my 71. I got to looking at the back of the ingnition switch and found the plastic wire holder was melted and the wire's wouldn't make contact with the switch if it was really warm. Took the old factory wire connector off and replaced with spad connecters problam sovled. Starts every time now.

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Andy
71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72 http://geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html

04-06-2002, 08:31 PM	#1
RainDog Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burien, WA, USA Posts: 391	help! starting problem hey guys--Been having trouble starting my truck lately--it would turn over fine most the time, but once every other day or so (usually when the engine was already warm) I'd turn the key and nothing. I'd have to jump the starter with a screwdriver. I had no trouble running my stereo, not low on juice, so I was thinking the problem was probably the solenoid in the starter. Well, when I finished installing a new oil pressure gauge today, I noticed that the cab light wouldn't turn off. Fiddled with everything, ended up just disconnecting one of the battery cables. Any ideas on whether these two problems are related??? I'll have to hook the battery back up tomorrow and see if the light comes back on, but it kind of sounds to me like a short or ground problem>???? Not too experienced with electrical stuff, so I'm kind of stumped. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!! RainDog __________________ "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats."

04-06-2002, 08:45 PM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Could be just coincidence with the two problems at the same time. When the starter acts up do you get just a click? The next time the starter acts up, put a test light on the "S" terminal of the selnoid and have someone turn the key to start, (be sure to block wheels and set e-brake) the test light should light up, if not check the neutral safety switch, ignition switch and wiring to and from each. If the test light lights up the starter/selnoid itself may be the problem,,did you check the condition of the brushes of the starter motor while you were in there? If the brushes are worn way down you would have those syptoms also. Be sure the bat terminals are clean as well. ------------------ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi Killingworth, Connecticut [This message has been edited by Gordo (edited April 06, 2002).] __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

04-06-2002, 08:52 PM	#3
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I am guessing you mean dome light by cab light. I had the same problem, i was taking out the stubborn light rod on the light switch, and somehow broke the light switch. The dome light wouldn't shut off, so i ripped the bulb out of the socket....i need to get a new switch sometime... ------------------ Lucas "Another proud owner of one of the coolest trucks ever built" drop_shift@hotmail.com My Daily-Driver: '72 Chevy LWB Custom/10. Rebuilt 350, 300 HP thanks to a few go-fast goodies. Ochre with a white top. Future plans include TBI fuel injection, a 700R4 tranny, and possibly some 3.73 rear gears. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

04-06-2002, 10:11 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	I have had the same thing happen with my 71. I got to looking at the back of the ingnition switch and found the plastic wire holder was melted and the wire's wouldn't make contact with the switch if it was really warm. Took the old factory wire connector off and replaced with spad connecters problam sovled. Starts every time now. ------------------ Andy 71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72 http://geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

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