LT1 won't turn over
 

My 97 TA won't start. I drove it to the store....came out and it wouldn't turn over. The funny thing is...when I turn on the ignition, no dash warning lights come on (like they usually do before you crank it over). Everything else is working fine. Jumping it has no effect. It seems like the whole ignition system is dead (although the radio, heater, windows, etc work).

Any idea???

Sounds like it is not getting the cranking signal from the ignition switch. Check your fuses and relays.

Very well could be a bad ignition switch or the connector to it. Info for replacement.

i would concur on the ignition switch

Great, thanks for the info...it gives me a starting point to look for the problem. I have the factory service manuals, and for the life of me I can't find the diagnostic section for this type of problem.

Thanks again, and I'll report back on what I find.

-Rich

Take the lower panel off and reach in and jiggle the connectors on the ignition switch. If they have heat damage, they may not be making a good connection. It's very common for the main power feed wire to get a bit overheated. The switch is a common failure point, as well.

LOL or kick the shit out of it that worked for me as well

You are actually right. :D Even beating on the steering wheel will sometimes cause enough vibration to momentarily get a connection. Crazy, but might get you home if you get stranded somewhere.

I can't thank you enough for this info. I tried wiggling the ignition switch connector, and nothing happened. There is some evidence of heat damage on the connector....not as bad as the one in your photo, but very evident. I took a leap of faith and bought a new ignition switch (but not a new connector pigtail, nobody had one in stock). I put the new switch in, and the car started right up. However, now when I wiggle with connector, it cuts out, so I obviously need a new connector pigtail.

Where do you get this? I am assuming it's a dealer part?

Again, thanks SO much!!!

-Rich

Dealer or AC-Delco seller can provide the pigtail. Alternately, you can try scraping the contact in the connector and trying to rebend it to restore some spring to it, so that it will try to hold more tightly.

Ignition swtich

Cool, glad we could help. I unfortunately never seem to get that lucky. It is always a stupid wire or a glitch in the matrix.....that can't be seen found or fixed. Might have to go to a wrecking yard for that pigtail.

The connector came in today, and I installed it. Nice solid connection to the new ignition switch, and no matter how much I wiggle the wires, it stays connected.

Thanks a million folks!

-Rich