sgp0511

88 firebird no vats has a weird problem where after driving my car throughout the day, sometimes I who put the key in and then and nothing will happen. I have dummy light for alternator and when I then the key to try to start, the light goes out like the switch is working but the starter motor does not engage. I figured out if I tilt the column down and try to start, the car starts just fine. Is there a common connection somewhere in the column that could be loose or something?

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

It's possible that the metal rod that connects the ignition cylinder to the ignition box is bent. It's also possible that the ignition box itself has moved on the column shaft making it difficult for the rod to activate it. ( Rare - but it has happened to me before ! ) To adjust the ignition box you'd have to remove the High Beam switch,...loosen the ignition box set screw, move the ignition box forward a bit, then re-assemble and try it out.

P.S. Don't remove that tiny set screw - it can be a PITA to get it back in !

Good Luck.