key/starting trouble - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dr_erni · 11-02-2002, 03:10 PM

i've noticed this.... when it's cold out and the truck hasn't been ran...

when i turn the key the engine doesn't start... but everything else is on as normal...

i have to turn it a few times before the starter kicks in.. sometimes i have to do it more then others...

any ideas?
ignition, starter, wiring... gimme some input please and thanx

78SilveradoSWB · 11-02-2002, 03:30 PM

Have your battery checked. Cold weather affects the cranking capabilities of batteries. You may have enough voltage to run lights and radio, but not enough current to initiate the starter.

785/7c10 · 11-02-2002, 11:00 PM

Starter probably just needs a new bendix. Does the starter run but just not engage? Hope this helps.

87gmc · 11-02-2002, 11:45 PM

yeah i would just check the battery first, and maybe the connections but the fact that you say it only does it on cold days make me think otherwise, but thats just a suggestion

dr_erni · 11-03-2002, 11:01 AM

thanx for the suggestions guys...

it was doing that pretty much since i got it. and i thought it was the connectors... so i changed them... and the baterry is fine... it seems like there is a switch or something not engaging somewhere...

maybe the shifter is not making solid contact in park... could it be that?

on warm days it does it less. and the starter does work fine.. but it's just that i have to turn the key about 5-6 times before it even engages.

MidnightBlues · 11-03-2002, 07:40 PM

Makes me think of the ignitionswitch,wich is located on top of the steeringcolumn.
It's actuated by a rod.When it's warm the rod will expand a little so the switch does it's job.When ist's cold the rod is a little shorter and the switch doesn't switch all the way.
You can adjust the position of the switch.But you need to lower the steeringcolumn to get at the switch.
I had this problem a few years ago.

*Piston* · 11-03-2002, 08:04 PM

Do you hear the starter spinning but the engine is not?

as mentioned before, this sounds alot like a bad bendix which DOES get worse as temps fall.

If thats not the case, try moving the gearshift into neutral while trying to start it. If it starts or tries to start when you move the shifter, get yourself a new neutral saftey/Reverse light switch.

11-02-2002, 03:10 PM	#1
dr_erni Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 12	key/starting trouble i've noticed this.... when it's cold out and the truck hasn't been ran... when i turn the key the engine doesn't start... but everything else is on as normal... i have to turn it a few times before the starter kicks in.. sometimes i have to do it more then others... any ideas? ignition, starter, wiring... gimme some input please and thanx

11-02-2002, 11:45 PM	#4
87gmc I Got My Engine!!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palmer, AK Posts: 253	yeah i would just check the battery first, and maybe the connections but the fact that you say it only does it on cold days make me think otherwise, but thats just a suggestion __________________ F.O.R.D. "F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge" -+-+-+-+Cameron+-+-+-+- 1987 GMC HIGH SIERRA LWB 1500 32X11.50 383 TBI/Vortec Heads/Intake MSD Ignition Dual Exhaust Custom Pinstriping Sweet interior & stereo http://www.cgalvin29.freehomepage.com

11-03-2002, 07:40 PM	#6
MidnightBlues Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 118	Makes me think of the ignitionswitch,wich is located on top of the steeringcolumn. It's actuated by a rod.When it's warm the rod will expand a little so the switch does it's job.When ist's cold the rod is a little shorter and the switch doesn't switch all the way. You can adjust the position of the switch.But you need to lower the steeringcolumn to get at the switch. I had this problem a few years ago. __________________ Andre 1984 C10 SWB, 350/700R4

11-02-2002, 03:30 PM	#2
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Have your battery checked. Cold weather affects the cranking capabilities of batteries. You may have enough voltage to run lights and radio, but not enough current to initiate the starter.

11-02-2002, 11:00 PM	#3
785/7c10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1	Starter probably just needs a new bendix. Does the starter run but just not engage? Hope this helps.

11-03-2002, 11:01 AM	#5
dr_erni Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 12	thanx for the suggestions guys... it was doing that pretty much since i got it. and i thought it was the connectors... so i changed them... and the baterry is fine... it seems like there is a switch or something not engaging somewhere... maybe the shifter is not making solid contact in park... could it be that? on warm days it does it less. and the starter does work fine.. but it's just that i have to turn the key about 5-6 times before it even engages.

11-03-2002, 08:04 PM	#7
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,300	Do you hear the starter spinning but the engine is not? as mentioned before, this sounds alot like a bad bendix which DOES get worse as temps fall. If thats not the case, try moving the gearshift into neutral while trying to start it. If it starts or tries to start when you move the shifter, get yourself a new neutral saftey/Reverse light switch.



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