No start

[79gmc15]

What would cause a no start? I turn.the key and nothing. Radio and fan comes on. I jumped the truck, nothing. It started yesterday, today it's nothing. About a weeks ago I left the lights on all night, jumped it and all was fine except the starter wasn't right afterwards. I have very limited funds to get this truck going.

 What are the symptoms of the ignition switch going out?

I tried bypassing the starter with a remote start switch. But I didn't exactly know how to do it. Lol I put one clip on the big terminal and the other on one small bolt on the solenoid, nothing. Put the 2nd clip on the small bolt on the starter it's self, nothing. Put the first clip directly on battery, nothing.

Battery has been on the charger collectively about 6-7 hours. When I turn the key my volt gauge says about 10 volts. My hand held volt gauge is broken. Lol

Are the testers at auto parts stores reliable?

Oh, don't know if it matters, but I can pull my key out of the ignition any time.

SBC, th350, 79.

Thanks,
Matt

[454Man]

Ok I was just about to start a thread about the same thing. My prob started today. Got stuck at the store. Same issue turn key and nothing. Had to hard wire the dizzy. Not trying to high jack. Replaced fuse link blew it. Same with in line fuse.

[454Man]

Oh when I jump outer at the starter it runs and drives. But alternator charges 19 volts...

[Irish_Alley]

i would lean to the ignition switch, since you have radio power but nothing for start. if it was the starter you would hear a click or something. dead battery is multiple clicks

[79gmc15]

i would lean to the ignition switch, since you have radio power but nothing for start. if it was the starter you would hear a click or something. dead battery is multiple clicks

Just to clarify, are you talking about the key cylinder or the thing on top of the column on the lower portion of the column?

[Irish_Alley]

Ignition switch

[79gmc15]

Ugh lol OK, off to the search bar. Thanks.

[Irish_Alley]

but you should test and make sure you get volts at the starter, jump the starter before you start throwing parts at it. but im almost certain it the switch http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,23398.msg195068.html#msg195068

[79gmc15]

By what I can tell it isn't too bad to get to the ignition switch. Some screws, drop the column down, unscrew it, etcetera. What sucks is I am probably going to have to move the AC vent that goes to the driver side(I just got it in right after 10 years lol). Oh well. I'll also figure out if I am getting power to the starter from the key before I attempt it.

[bd]

What would cause a no start? I turn the key and nothing. Radio and fan comes on. I jumped the truck, nothing. It started yesterday, today it's nothing. About a weeks ago I left the lights on all night, jumped it and all was fine except the starter wasn't right afterwards. I have very limited funds to get this truck going.

 What are the symptoms of the ignition switch going out?

I tried bypassing the starter with a remote start switch. But I didn't exactly know how to do it. Lol I put one clip on the big terminal and the other on one small bolt on the solenoid, nothing. Put the 2nd clip on the small bolt on the starter it's self, nothing. Put the first clip directly on battery, nothing.

Battery has been on the charger collectively about 6-7 hours. When I turn the key my volt gauge says about 10 volts. My hand held volt gauge is broken. Lol

Are the testers at auto parts stores reliable?

Oh, don't know if it matters, but I can pull my key out of the ignition any time.

SBC, th350, 79.

Thanks,
Matt

Matt,

From your description, it sounds more like a solenoid problem.

To check starter solenoid function:
Connect your 'remote start switch' between the large copper "Battery Cable" stud on the solenoid and the "S" terminal of the solenoid (the #10 X 32 silver stud on the right side of the attached image).  If it doesn't crank, replace the starter.

To check ignition switch "Start" function:
Use a test light to check for power at the "S" terminal of the starter solenoid while an assistant attempts to crank the engine with the transmission in "Park."  If the "S" terminal is dead, check for power to and through the neutral safety switch.  Work your way back toward the ignition switch.  And, make sure the neutral safety and ignition switches are not just loose on the column and out of adjustment.

Although this has no bearing on your starting problem, to correct the, "I can pull my key out of the ignition any time," replace the key lock cylinder in the top of the column. 

[VileZambonie]

Listen to BD

[79gmc15]

Thanks guys, I'll keep ya updated.

[79gmc15]

The beast lives to fight another day! Thanks bd and gang for saving my Bacon! It was the starter! Next steps are oil leaks! That's for another day and another thread.