Won't start
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Won't start
I took the steering column apart because the high beam mechanism wasn't working. After I had the steering column back together I turn the key to on and the fuel pump runs for a couple seconds, the heater fan & radio work & gauges respond. When I turn the key to start all that happens is the brake light comes on but the starter doesn't do anything. No clicking, nothing. The actuator rod to the switch is moving in response to the key. Battery is charged. When I jump the starter at the starter it cranks over real good. It acts like the switch at the bottom of the column isn't sending power to the starter, it is about a year old. Is there a fuse between the ignition switch at the bottom of the column & the starter? Ideas?
#2
Re: Won't start
I took the steering column apart because the high beam mechanism wasn't working. After I had the steering column back together I turn the key to on and the fuel pump runs for a couple seconds, the heater fan & radio work & gauges respond. When I turn the key to start all that happens is the brake light comes on but the starter doesn't do anything. No clicking, nothing. The actuator rod to the switch is moving in response to the key. Battery is charged. When I jump the starter at the starter it cranks over real good. It acts like the switch at the bottom of the column isn't sending power to the starter, it is about a year old. Is there a fuse between the ignition switch at the bottom of the column & the starter? Ideas?
In order to get to the high beam switch, you have to remove the ignition switch. If this is correct, when you put the ignition switch back after replacing the high beam switch, you didn't get the ignition switch back in the proper spot. It is adjustable, and it sounds as if you need to loosen the bolts holding the switch to the column, and move the switch slightly towards the steering wheel then re tighten the bolts.
#3
Senior Member
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Re: Won't start
Take it back apart and check connections on Ignition switch on top of column. If that doesn't work adjust it so the rod goes deeper into it. Of that doesn't work just put a new one in. Less than $20.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37549120950...Bk9SR6CDiZeoZA
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37549120950...Bk9SR6CDiZeoZA
#4
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Thread Starter
Re: Won't start
At the time of my first post I removed the key switch at the upper portion of the column but I did not remove or even loosen the ignition switch at the lower part of the column. I have since removed the lower switch and put it back in place and have it moved as close towards the key as it will go. I have power coming out of the lower switch on the yellow wire which is supposed to be going to the starter but still no start.
#5
Re: Won't start
At the time of my first post I removed the key switch at the upper portion of the column but I did not remove or even loosen the ignition switch at the lower part of the column. I have since removed the lower switch and put it back in place and have it moved as close towards the key as it will go. I have power coming out of the lower switch on the yellow wire which is supposed to be going to the starter but still no start.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thirdgen.org-vbulletin/768x872/fig57_1991_body_wiring_continued_768x872_6a5158ed54d637408f5c19c9c18ece1d955843a8.gif)
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Re: Won't start
VATS has not been deleted. I will look into that and the other suggestions and report back. It my take a few days. Thanks.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Re: Won't start
EUREKA!!
I made a jumper between the yellow and tan/white wire on the starter relay plug by the left kick panel and it starts right up. Thank you all.
![lock](https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/smilies/lock.gif)
![thank you](https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/smilies/thanks.gif)
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#8
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Re: Won't start
So looking at the schematic, you just bypassed the starter enable relay which is controlled by the pass key decoder module. If it works, it works but I think you've basically disabled the VATS system.
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