89 firebird, originally a 305TBI, auto tranny.
now a carb. 350

a couple months ago, the starter broke. repaced starter, car still didnt start, so I remember when this happened on my old Blazer, so I put a wire from the starter to the battery and it started up.

so, ive been doing that for the last couple months, and decided it must be the ignition switch. So,I replaced the switch.
still doesent start.

what else could it be?
I dont belive there are any fusible links around the starter, there were a few around the battery, but I removed them when I did the motor swap over a year ago.
I also dont think its a VATS issue, as obviously the ignition is hot, cuz I can turn the key to "run" and touch the wire to the battery and it starts.

this is driving me nuts! if I cant figure it out by next week, im just gonna rig a push button.

so what is the problem?
also, what gauge wire and what amp switch should I use if I rig up a push button start?

thanx
Joshua

 

Sounds like the nutral safety switch is toast. Have you checked it?

 

Starter enable relay behind the left kick panel, maybe?

 

I havent checked either of those, to be honest, ive never heard of a starter enable relay.

where exactly is the left kick pannel? how do I check it?

Vader, i have seen you post diagrams before, do you have any you could post up?

thanx

Joshua

 

neutral safety switch is inside the center console on the shifter assembly.

to test, hook one wire of a voltmeter or test light to ground and touch the other thick purple wire. do you get a +12V when the key is turned to the start position? do you get +12V other physically thick wire on the switch when the key is turned to start?

also, a color code guide to the ignition switch harness is avaliable at:

http://www.p71interceptor.com/thirdgen/alarminfo