need help 89 firebird wont turn over
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need help 89 firebird wont turn over
i need some help diagnosing the problem with my 1989 firebird 2.8, the dome lights turn on and the dash lights light up when i turn the key but the motor wont turn over. i have bypassed the neutral safety switch and it started right up, i then replaced the neutral safety switch and it still will not turn over. does anyone have any ideas of what the problem may be? could the ignition just be broken, or maybe a bad wire somewhere? 
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Mooresville NC
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Car Is Not Cranky . . . . SO I AM !!!!!!
Connect a voltmeter across the M terminal of the starter and ground.
Make the leads long enuff to take the voltmeter into the cockpit.
Under normal circumstances, when cranking you will see about 9 volts on the meter.
On the occasions the starter fails to crank note the voltage.
The voltage will tell you what the problem is and what direction to turn.
If it’s about 12 while you are trying to crank, but the starter is not turning - the problem is in the starter.
If it’s under 8 while trying to crank - the problem is excessive resistance in the starting circuit.
Therefore if it is in the starting circuit you can move the probe you applied to terminal M at the starter, to the positive terminals at the solenoid, then keep moving up the line till the problem shows itself VIA increased voltage.
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing !
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
When you see fog lights on in good weather beware. WLow performance driver ahead.
Make the leads long enuff to take the voltmeter into the cockpit.
Under normal circumstances, when cranking you will see about 9 volts on the meter.
On the occasions the starter fails to crank note the voltage.
The voltage will tell you what the problem is and what direction to turn.
If it’s about 12 while you are trying to crank, but the starter is not turning - the problem is in the starter.
If it’s under 8 while trying to crank - the problem is excessive resistance in the starting circuit.
Therefore if it is in the starting circuit you can move the probe you applied to terminal M at the starter, to the positive terminals at the solenoid, then keep moving up the line till the problem shows itself VIA increased voltage.
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing !
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
When you see fog lights on in good weather beware. WLow performance driver ahead.
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From: Clark NJ
Car: 1988 Pontiac Transam GTA Notchback
Engine: 2003 Chevy 5.3 Vortec (325 cu)
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: need help 89 firebird wont turn over
Also if you bypassed the neutral safety switch and it worked, but installed a new one and it doesn't, I would ensure the part you purchased matches your car. For example, 1993-2002 shifters fit our cars, but the pinout is slightly different if I remember correctly for the switch. But do this only if the previous suggestion doesn't get you anywhere.
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Mar 18, 2019 08:29 PM