Nonstarting Suburban

Tiny
C.BARTHOLOMEW
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 GMC SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
89 suburban I'm getting nothing when I turn the key. I played around with the shifter and it started a couple of times. Thought it was the safety neutral switch so I replaced it, no change. I jumped the wires from the ignition going to the S.N. Switch and still nothing. I was about to replace the ignition switch but thought I would get your opinion first. Thanks
Friday, February 4th, 2011 AT 5:19 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
You need to make sure the battery has a full charge. If it is down, take it off and get it charged. My starter wiring diagram from MOD doesn't show a neutral switch, these databases are not always correct. The purple wire at the solenoid S terminal, should be hot with the key in the crank position. If it isn't, you will have to back track the circuit. I'd check the feed to and from the ignition switch first, before replacing switch.

You could use a remote starter button on the starter solenoid, just to see if starter will crank. There are safety issues, you need to make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and a functional e-brake is set.
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Friday, February 4th, 2011 AT 5:59 PM

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