Need quick troubleshooting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bouncytruck · 04-08-2013, 04:09 PM

I went out to my truck (to head to a job interview) and it wouldn't start. It turns over and if you keep the key in the start position, it acts like it wants to start, but as soon as I put it in the run position, it shuts off.

I'm thinking it's the ignition switch, but I can't get out to test it because I'm at work. Anyone had a similar issue?

Mike C · 04-08-2013, 04:51 PM

Points? HEI? On a points setup it gets full 12 volts from starter while cranking then runs through resistor wire when you let off key. Problem in the resistor wire or the connection could get you that.

If it's HEI, could be a bad module. Once again start by checking connections where coil plugs into cap and where 12v switched plugs in to cap.

I had an old Accel BEI that wouldn't fire when cranking. You cranked and cranked and cranked and got nothing. But when you let off the key, it fired. Whacked.

cwsohm · 04-08-2013, 04:52 PM

I've had the same problem in the past. If you are running mechanical points, there is a resistor that is attached to the firewall in the engine compartment on the drivers side. Before putting electronic ignition in my truck, I had to replace the resistor twice in around 20 years... You can get a replacement at most auto stores, however the reproduction ones will look a little different - and I don't think you can mount them the same way as the original.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 04-08-2013, 04:58 PM

Sounds like it could be a switch... I am having problems starting my new CST Blazer myself, so I am just going to convert to HEI ignition. WES

**Classic Heartbeat** · 04-08-2013, 04:59 PM

If your Blazer had a resister, it was probably installed aftermarket. These trucks and Blazers were wired with a resister wire in the engine harness. WES

IwantaK5 · 04-08-2013, 07:29 PM

I had a similar problem with a 72' blazer. It would seemingly start when it wanted to and shut off when it wanted to. Ended up being a loose wire on the ignition switch.

bouncytruck · 04-09-2013, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the input everyone! Put in a new ignition switch and it fired right up.

red71cheyenne · 04-12-2013, 09:51 PM

Sweet!! Congrats on the quick fix.

4oldcars · 04-13-2013, 09:49 AM

I think it didn't want you to get a job

04-08-2013, 04:09 PM	#1
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Need quick troubleshooting I went out to my truck (to head to a job interview) and it wouldn't start. It turns over and if you keep the key in the start position, it acts like it wants to start, but as soon as I put it in the run position, it shuts off. I'm thinking it's the ignition switch, but I can't get out to test it because I'm at work. Anyone had a similar issue? __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

04-08-2013, 04:51 PM	#2
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	Re: Need quick troubleshooting Points? HEI? On a points setup it gets full 12 volts from starter while cranking then runs through resistor wire when you let off key. Problem in the resistor wire or the connection could get you that. If it's HEI, could be a bad module. Once again start by checking connections where coil plugs into cap and where 12v switched plugs in to cap. I had an old Accel BEI that wouldn't fire when cranking. You cranked and cranked and cranked and got nothing. But when you let off the key, it fired. Whacked. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-08-2013, 04:52 PM	#3
cwsohm Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 13	Re: Need quick troubleshooting I've had the same problem in the past. If you are running mechanical points, there is a resistor that is attached to the firewall in the engine compartment on the drivers side. Before putting electronic ignition in my truck, I had to replace the resistor twice in around 20 years... You can get a replacement at most auto stores, however the reproduction ones will look a little different - and I don't think you can mount them the same way as the original. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy, ZZ4 350

04-08-2013, 04:58 PM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: Need quick troubleshooting Sounds like it could be a switch... I am having problems starting my new CST Blazer myself, so I am just going to convert to HEI ignition. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

04-08-2013, 04:59 PM	#5
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: Need quick troubleshooting If your Blazer had a resister, it was probably installed aftermarket. These trucks and Blazers were wired with a resister wire in the engine harness. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

04-08-2013, 07:29 PM	#6
IwantaK5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Palm Beach Florida Posts: 80	Re: Need quick troubleshooting I had a similar problem with a 72' blazer. It would seemingly start when it wanted to and shut off when it wanted to. Ended up being a loose wire on the ignition switch.

04-09-2013, 12:08 AM	#7
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: Need quick troubleshooting Thanks for the input everyone! Put in a new ignition switch and it fired right up. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

04-12-2013, 09:51 PM	#8
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Need quick troubleshooting Sweet!! Congrats on the quick fix. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

04-13-2013, 09:49 AM	#9
4oldcars Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: On The Beach, S C Posts: 613	Re: Need quick troubleshooting I think it didn't want you to get a job __________________ 4oldcars Driving: 1971 Jimmy w/68 Chev front clip, 1953 Bel Air 2 dr hdtp, 1996 Roadmaster wagon, 2000 Eldorado The ones I let go: 1931 2 dr sedan, 1935 pick up, 1938 2 dr sedan, 1962 SS 454, 1963 409 wagon, 1970 short bed, 1972 short bed, 1972 sub, 1976 short bed, 1986 long bed, 03 short bed

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