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New ignition switch, neutral safety and still no start?

Tiny
THEMACAGENT
  • MEMBER
  • 1980 CHEVROLET CUSTOM DELUXE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I’m at the end of the road with this issue. I recently replaced the neutral safety switch due to my 1980 C10 not starting 100% of the time. Well, that wasn’t it, as I discovered it was the ignition switch. Replaced it and it started once, and the lock cylinder wouldn’t go back to the lock position and no, couldn’t get the key out.

Well, I tore into the column and fixed the rack and sector, got everything back in place lined up and followed the instructions with the new ignition switch and neutral safety. Turned the key to the in position, got the buzzer, air circulation etc, but now start. I put the key in accessory mode and nothing. All I want is the truck to start as it was driving perfect prior.

Any help or recommendation on where to go next? It’s a 1980 C10 Custom Deluxe and had tilt steering put in at some point by the original owner.
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 7:58 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

When you turn the key to start it, is there any response? Does the starter engage, or does it at least click?

Bear with me. For some reason, I have no wiring schematic for this model and year. I have older and newer ones, but not this one.

On many of the older ones, there were multiple fusible links that ran between the battery and the bulkhead connector at the fire wall.

Update:

I was able to find a very basic schematic. On the engine side of the firewall, there should be an orange fusible link. On the interior, that wire connects to a purple wire which is the trigger wire for the starter motor. See if you can locate the orange wire first. If you can, check to make sure it has power where it goes into the bulkhead.

Let me know what you find and exactly what is happening.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
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  • 7 POSTS
This one in the picture?
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Here’s a video from in the cab.
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

The orange wire in pic 1 appears to be it. Is there power on both ends? It looks like it may have overheated at some point.

I have a 78 step-side I restored. It's nice to see that dash. LOL

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
How do I check for power?

Thank you, I want to keep it original and learn the mechanics as we go!
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

If you follow the wire, one side will lead to a power source under the hood and the other should lead to the electrical bulkhead in the firewall.

To check for power, you can use a test light, a voltmeter, or even a multimeter. Anything that can identify if power is present.

Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It goes to the top of the starter, correct?
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
In the video, I have power from everything but the yellow. On the neutral safety switch, only the yellow and purple have been connected.

The blue and green have been hanging. When the green touched the blue before taking the video the truck tried to kick over.

I do know for a fact the green hasn’t been connected to anything since I've had it.

Thoughts?
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 3:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Are you checking these in the vehicle? Also, is there power to the green wire or is it a ground? If the blue and green both have power, I'm not sure why the starter would have engaged.

Regarding the yellow wire that you have no power from, did you check under the hood as well?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
THEMACAGENT
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  • 7 POSTS
Correct from under the dash. These wires are all from what I think coming from the ignition switch.

I’m not sure how to follow these wires on the engine side.

The green and blue have never been connected to anything that I know of, and I wouldn’t even know what they sate for.

All help is appreciated.
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

| just reread everything. The orange wire that I originally mentioned, where does it go? You mentioned to the top of the starter motor. Is that correct?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 AT 6:13 PM

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