1996 Chevy Truck won't start sometimes.

Tiny
DADDYDEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET TRUCK
I have a 1996 Chevy pickup 5.0, 350 with 170000 miles. The truck won't start sometimes. When this happens the gauges will not energize nor does the fuel pump buzz. I have had the fuel pump checked and it works fine ( it is only 6months old ). I have also replaced the starter, but it still won't start some of the time. What could be the problem? What can I do to fix this?
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 6:10 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
I would check the ignition. It may not be engaging and telling the car to turn on.

When it does not start does anything come on like the radio?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
DADDYDEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes. The radio does work and so does the lights and I believe everything else does also ( heat, AC )
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
So only the guages dont move and the check engine lights when the car is does not start?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
DADDYDEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes. That is correct.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
NITESPOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Daddydean,
Check the positive battery cable for corrosion. Be sure to take the both wires apart. Separate the one that goes down to the starter from the one that goes across the radiator to the fuse box on the other side of the engine. Clean both sides with a wire brush until shiny and also clean the little spacer too. If there is a lot of corrosion and this helps, then take that stupid, red, rubber protective boot off the cable. I cut mine off with a knife and never had that problem again. Corrosion kept building up under the boot and I got tired of it. If that isn't the problem let me know, but it sure sounds like the problem I was having. Actually, let me know either way. Thanks.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 10th, 2007 AT 2:02 AM
Tiny
NITESPOT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
One more thing, which i'm sure you might know this, unhooking the battery will reset your radio. If it has a security code, make sure you have that on hand before you do this.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 10th, 2007 AT 2:07 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE