Topic: Car starting issue
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Hey guys,
The other night I was going to start my car and put it away. I tried to start it but I got nothing. The engine did not even try to start, I figured it was an electrical issue. Well, I checked my head lights to see if the dashboard lights would come on, and they did. Well, I turned those off and tried starting it again, and nothing. Than I tried starting it with the lights on, and it turned right over. Now, it is parked and won't start only if I turn the lights on. 
The powered windows do not work either. This one has me befuddled!
The powered windows do not work either. This one has me befuddled!-Brint
P.S- Kenny needs to come over 
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That's an easy one. Your lighting system has NOTHING to do with your starting system. It's just coincidence. Your starting problem is almost certainly either the starter, the battery or the solenoid, with about a 1% chance your ignition wiring has melted into your lighting circuit.
First: Disconnect completely and REALLY clean your battery connections one at a time starting with the negative one. Then try to start it. If it does start several times in a row, problem solved.
If not, check your solenoid connections and starter connection. A loose lead does exactly what you describe......so does a burned one. If they seem tight and unburned, check for voltage and make sure you get 12 at the solenoid when someone turns the key. If your connections are tight and you're getting 12V at the solenoid ignition connection, check for 12V at the lead sticking out of the starter that connects to the solenoid.
If you have 12V on the ignition terminal and 12V on the starter terminal, the solenoid contact is either burned to a crisp or the starter is shot.
The only way to go then is pull the starter and take it to Advance or Napa and have them check which one needs replacement, rebuilding.
You can rebuild either yourself if you're handy but it's usually less aggravation to just buy a new one.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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Hmmmm...amazingly enough, according to the wiring diagram, the purple wire on the starter solenoid that supplies starting voltage actually comes off of the headlight switch! It's strange...but I've traced it several times, and that's what it shows.
Will the car turn over with hi AND low beams on, or just one? Just curious about that.
Otherwise, I would have to agree that it may just be a bad/corroded connection, and the added load of the headlights causes it to make a connection. Check the bat.. connections first. After that, you may find a problem with the firewall/bulkhead passthru, where the fusebox is.
Will the car turn over with hi AND low beams on, or just one? Just curious about that.
Otherwise, I would have to agree that it may just be a bad/corroded connection, and the added load of the headlights causes it to make a connection. Check the bat.. connections first. After that, you may find a problem with the firewall/bulkhead passthru, where the fusebox is.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
[QUOTE=ph74454]
First: Disconnect completely and REALLY clean your battery connections one at a time starting with the negative one. Then try to start it. If it does start several times in a row, problem solved.
[/QUOTE] I agree. Solved a similar problem on my white 79. Cables seemed tight but I disconnected them and simply reconnected them MY tight and I never had the problem again.If the above doesn't work check your red cable from the battery to the starter. All older chevys in the 70's could have a corroded cable . When you check it for voltage & resistance it'll test good, but under a load you can't get enoungh current to turn over the starter. I've have this happen to me more than once. Also check your grounds to the frame, one in the back & one in the front.
Alan
Hmmmm...amazingly enough, according to the wiring diagram, the purple wire on the starter solenoid that supplies starting voltage actually comes off of the headlight switch! It's strange...but I've traced it several times, and that's what it shows.
Will the car turn over with hi AND low beams on, or just one? Just curious about that.
Otherwise, I would have to agree that it may just be a bad/corroded connection, and the added load of the headlights causes it to make a connection. Check the bat.. connections first. After that, you may find a problem with the firewall/bulkhead passthru, where the fusebox is.
Will the car turn over with hi AND low beams on, or just one? Just curious about that.
Otherwise, I would have to agree that it may just be a bad/corroded connection, and the added load of the headlights causes it to make a connection. Check the bat.. connections first. After that, you may find a problem with the firewall/bulkhead passthru, where the fusebox is.
Interesting. I tried to trace that and never got to the headlight switch, but I did go thru the interlock system which I'd forgotten about. Let's hope it's just the batt connections at either the battery or the starter.
Hey guys,
I appreciate all the help and responses to my dilema. Well, today I was looking over the wiring and all my conections for corrosion or anything else that may have looked suspicious. I found out that the fuse in the link that is in the wire from the battery to the starter was burnt out!
So I replaced the fuse and it started right up!
So I replaced the fuse and it started right up! I forgot to check it first, but I really do appreciate the help!!
Thanks,
Brint
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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