9 replies to this topic

[Sphinx]

So, with the electric cut-off in the on position, try to start the car and nothing but a single click, but dash lights up.  Almost like its a dead battery.  Flick the power switch a few times on and off, still keeps happening.  Then randomly, the car fires up as if nothing happened.

 

One person told me that this is common situation with NB's.  True?  Or just need a new switch?  It's a Longacre - which should be reliable.

[Dave D.]

I would go to good old fashioned diagnostics first. Put a volt meter on the starter lug and measure what the voltage is reading when the starter gives just one "click". If it is pulled way down below 9 volts, then bypass the switch and try again. If the voltage doesn't drop at all from static, then you have a bad starter( solenoid is either pitted or broken).  I have seen the old style metal switches go bad, but mostly in a dirt modified where it is getting washed every week, but don't count out just a bad starter.

[LarryKing]

Bet it's the ignition switch contacts. Next time this occurs try wiggling the connector to the switch (to be clear, I mean the ignition key switch on the steering column).

[Ron Alan]

When you solve this problem...or specifically what is the problem when you turn key and nothing...let us all know

 

I have 2 cars that do this intermittent(NA and NB)...turn the key and nothing! What works for me? Keep turning the key! Not a kill switch issue...I think its in the ignition switch. In my case it may start perfect 10 times...then nothing! Turn the key 5-20 times and it fires up! The other day, I found if I turn the key quickly it fired up sooner   Tired of changing starters!

 

Bottom line? I dont panic...it will start. Worst case(yep...on grid )...a big yell for someone to push

[LarryKing]

To reiterate, ignition switch issue. My car would not start occasionally, AND also cut off on track (not good). I cleaned the ignition switch contacts and made sure the connector was fully connected. Problem solved. I've seen this problem on numerous cars, NA and NB.

[ChrisA]

I've had a similar problem. Brake lights worked, hazards worked, but nothing when I turned the key. I found the connector to the ignition switch was not fully seated and would not lock into place. The locking tab had grown weak either from heat, age or both and would no longer clasp. I zip-tied the connectors together and it starts now. (knock-wood) 

[Sphinx]

Thank you so much for the quick responses!  This is perfect.  I'll start with the ignition switch.  @Ron - suggest you start there too!

 

Update, found these helpful videos:

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=_Lk5YryQefg (removal from vehicle)

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=Mf6LZQO23ZU (actual cleaning)

[LarryKing]

Yep, zip-tied the connector too.

 

(I like the "turn the key quicker" solution, what the estimated RPM for that? )

[Scott Krzastek]

Following as my NA has the exact same issue

[Sphinx]

Well, cleaned mine. Better but still not flawless. Happened to me twice yesterday. Guess I'm ordering a new one.