dwoodwo1

Hey all,

This is my first post... and I am a bit new at this.

Just recently got a 6spd/lt1 trans am and from day one, I have had a few issues getting it started. Sometimes I would turn the key and just hear a click, but nothing else. Most times, it would start right up with no issues.

I recently removed and reinstalled the dash. Now the car will not start at all. I am trying to figure out what I may have undone when removing the dash that would cause this.

It is a bit suspect that the problem was occurring before I messed with the dash - which makes me think my work behind the dash may not be related.

I have removed the starter and taken it to be tested - it checks out. I have swapped batteries with another car - it still has the problem. I have been told that it may be the ignition switch, possibly the anti-theft deterrant, or maybe even the clutch-engage switch.

Also, not sure if it is related, but the lights in the car had flickered a few times before this current issue.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Sounds like the Ignition Switch..they do have a tendency to go out in these cars.

athornt2

iTrader: (18)

I will add..... when the car actually fires, at night the headlights have a slight flicker. I'm not sure it is related though. We actually bought an ignition switch last night but when we realized you have to pull the steering column we decided to make sure it wasn't something stupid that we may have unplugged when ripping the dash apart.

I looked at the starter and charging schematic and went through the ignition diagram checking every switch/relay that before the starter solenoid gets power and I think everything checked out. You can hear the antitheft relay click when you turn the key so I'm assuming it is working. I took the clutch switch off and put a paperclip in it to bypass it. Then I took a multimeter and put it on the starter and it gets no power. When you turn the key the fuse box in the engine bay clicks, the antitheft relay clicks and the reverse solenoid on the transmission clicks.

The grounds from the batter look good..... I guess the last thing to check is the ignition switch???

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Yup..

athornt2

iTrader: (18)

Do you HAVE to pull the steering column to replace that switch?

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

It's easier..

ssbowtie1

iTrader: (16)

http://shbox.com/ignsw/ign_switch_repl.html

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I didn't know that there were different Switches between Auto and Manual..


BTW..excellent pic Rob..



That is what mine looked like when it failed..it died going down the highway and grounded out on something in the process causing it to pop the Fuseable Link under the Hood.

I went to the Junk Yard..clipped that Blue Connector out of a Camaro, and re-pinned it for my car, replacing the bad wire.

djjab57

iTrader: (17)

you dont have to pull the colum, im not a small guy and ive done it a few times, but as Merv said it is easier

athornt2

iTrader: (18)

Problem solved after about 8 hours of trying to figure this out.... I forgot to remove the in the anti-theft relay that was mounted to the passenger side airbag and plug it back in.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Lol..

athornt2

iTrader: (18)

lol Thanks for all of the help though Merv.