Truck won't turn over, good battery, tried to jump?

[Z10]

Ok, here's the scenario: Took the child bride in the 72 GMC to see Lincoln tonight ( great movie, long almost 2.5 hours), walked out to the back row, (don't need any door dings from those super duties) all is good, it's where I left it. Stick the key in the ignition, nothing other than my park brake light is glowing? Dome light works, radio turns on, horn honks?

So, I call the baby girl to bring the jumper cables, she show's up in a flash,(just like baby girls are suppose to). Hook up the cables (yes, I've done this untold times over the course of the last 58 years).

Nothing! Absolutely nothing! No clicks, nothing??? So, I leave my perfectly good 72 sitting in the parking lot at 11:00pm and come home, to ponder my predicament. So, assuming that the truck is still in the movie parking lot in the morning, with my brand new wheels and tires still on it, what do you guys think is the problem?

Big Texas thanks in advance. Oh, and here's a pic just so you know that you'll be helping a good cause.

[SS Tim]

Sounds like an ignition switch problem. If it were me I'd get that towed home pronto. Leaving a truck like that overnight in a parking lot is just asking for a loss. At a minimum grab a ride back and keep it company.

[Mister-B]

Yeah really. Take a blanket and pillow, go park next to it, and spend the night
Posted via Mobile Device

[Z10]

Ok, you guys made me reach deep down inside of myself, go coax the child bride out of bed and go get the truck (she is such a good sport). Grabbed my circa 1979 custom made tow rope and headed out in her Lexus.

Yea!! the 72 is still where I left it, sitting on it's still intact tires! Tried to start it, still nothing. So, child bride graciously helped me push it back so that I can attach the rope to the truck and her car. We start for home and after about 100 yards I decide to try the key again....................here it comes................it starts!!!!!!! Un hook the tow rope and off we go.

Get home shut it off, start it, shut it off, start it. WTF???????

What do you think? Still the starter switch?

PS Mister-B....Child bride told me the same thing.

[SS Tim]

Its probably the ignition switch. Glad to hear you still have a truck with wheels even.

[cdowns]

i would clean the positve battery cable both ends first and all the connections on the starter


there is no parking brake light on your dashboard from the factory in 72

[cdowns]

if an automatic tranny check the neutral safety switch too

[Shyguy]

I had the same problem and a whack with a hammer on the starter got it going. Since the starter was under warranty I just got another one and have not had a problem since.

[briank]

Yep, if its an auto, make sure it is all the way in park . My 68 gmc does it all the time, I consider that my security system now....or try tapping the starter when someone is trying to start it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Z10]

Question, I'm assuming the truck will normally start in the "Neutral" position? I was being towed when I started it. Hmmmmmm?

[Stocker]

Yes -- the Neutral Safety Switch allows starting in either Park or Neutral.

[oklalawnboy]

Originally Posted by Shyguy

I had the same problem and a whack with a hammer on the starter got it going. Since the starter was under warranty I just got another one and have not had a problem since.

I like this idea. Usually works once or twice.

[Z10]

Update: I've driven the truck all day and not a sign of any problem. Grimlins?

[ole dollor]

if its not a battery connection, i would say pull the starter and check inside. could be brushes, or starter solenoid.

[richards72chevy]

If you suspect the nss you could always just make a jummper wire and bypass the nss to see if thats the problem.Keep the wire in your glove box just incase.

[tommys72]

i had the same problem twice....i hit the starter the first time, problem solved....the second time, i realized when i put my truck in park, the shifter moves slightly to reverse....i now always check the shifter, its an ocd habit i have really lol

[Frkypunk70]

My truck did this since I got it. If you ever have this problem again just hold up on the gear selector so it's in park. First time mine did that I almost went crazy looking for the problem...now it's just my anti theft device also
Posted via Mobile Device

[Z10]

Update: Day 2 drove the truck on and off today......started flawlessly. I hate this. I'd rather fix it than wonder when or if it will happen again.