So im trying to get my project up and running. I have replaced the battery, alternator checked and is good as well as the starter. I don't know where to go from here. I am a novice but trying to self teach myself to trouble shoot. Any suggestions as to what I should do next? By the way its a stock L98 TPI and the only thing that comes on is the dash.

 

You gotta give us more info. I assume it doesn't crank? Does it make any noise at all? Like a click. Is there power to the starter? Do the dash lights come on when you put the key to RUN?

 

Google

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/conten...ont-start.html
http://autorepair.about.com/od/troub...s_no-start.htm
http://www.caradvice.com.au/37/car-d...-doesnt-start/
http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/q...ine-in-the-car

 

The car does not crank, click or do anything. It has the digital dash and it makes a chirping sound and the gauges light up when the key is in run. I have had the battery, alternator and starter tested and they all passed. Maybe im dealing with electrical gremlins?!?

 

Did you read any of the No start links I posted for you above ?

 

Sure did Vette and thanks for posting those llinks. I didn't try the ignition switch and I have no clue as to where or how to check that out.

 

Where is the ignition switch? What should I do to test it?

 

So I replaced all the fuses in the fuse box and now I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key forward! Still cant get the car to crank up or make any noise. With the key turned forward without starting, the dash lights up, SES light stays on and then there are two beeps. All accessories work like headlights, power mirrors, dome, power windows. Now when I turn the car to start it up the dash lights dim almost completely but the SES and Brake light stays on. Any ideas or things I may have missed?

 

I read all the links that vetteoz posted again and I have narrowed it down to ignition switch. I have never changed out an ignition switch and I don't even know where to look or what to do to test it. Help me out fellas.

 

I got a new ignition switch. Just cant figure out where it is on the car. I have used the search and google and all its telling me to do is lower the steering column(no pictures or write up). How do you lower the steering column? Jump on in and help out guys.

 

I'm not an expert but I do know you'll want to start removing stuff in the way starting with the steering wheel. All I've done is change a steering wheel so I'm not much help but you should be able to see behind the wheel you can start removing stuff to get to where the igintion goes in and a retainer clip that holds it in place. I'm sure someone who knows will post more detail.

 

the ignition switch is ON the column, NOT IN the column. Look under the dash and there is a bracket with 2 nuts that hold up your steering column. There is a rod that goes from the lock cylinder in the column that you put your key in, down to the ignition switch.

 

That would be the main benefit of owning a service manual if you plan to work on your car

SEARCH harder
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...71-post19.html

You might want to bookmark this in case you want to replace the ignition key barrel mentioned in post # 11
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...940-post4.html

 

Thanks for the info. I will try that out when I get a chance to.

 

I don't know what kind of search magic you know but you find stuff quick. I will try to search harder. Man i'm a weekend garage guy with little time(about 1 day w/ 1-3 hours to wrench) and a family. So when its time to work I don't want to waste no time and get to it. I appreciate your help very much. And I probably should replace that ignition key barrel while I'm at it. Thanks for the advice guys!

 

BTW vetteoz that link about lowering the steering column in just what I needed. You sir are The Man! Thanks!

 

you cant replace the barrel "while you're at it"

they are completely different processes. You need to disassemble the insides of the column to get to the key barrel. To replace the ignition switch you only need to unbolt it from the outside of the column.

also, if your key goes in and turns, then there is pretty much nothing wrong with the key barrel

 

Thanks for the advice. That saved me from doing something that didn't need to be done. I learn something new everyday.

 

UPDATE: I got the old ignition switch out. I'm having an issue though. I can't get the white plastic piece with the thick wire to connect to the back of the new switch. It's held on with two tiny "star" screws. Any ideas or advice guys? I'm so close!

 

Well I got the new switch in and.................still won't start!
Battery-Good
Alternator-Good
Starter-Good
Ignition Switch-Good
Fuses-Good

Any ideas people????

 

starter relay?

also may be a stupid question but did you check all your grounds? the major ones being, battery to chassis, battery to engine, and engine to chassis.

When I put the new motor in my camaro I couldnt get the starter to turn over, pulled it out and tested it with a battery charger and it worked fine.... turns out I forgot to hook up the engine to chassis ground strap on the passenger side rear of the engine, felt like an idiot.

 

Define good !

To prove a point if you get under the car and jumper ( out of gear , park brake on , key OFF ) the solenoid terminal ( small terminal on right )
to the Batt ( big terminal at top off the starter ), then if everything is GOOD ,
the engine should crank over.
If it does , then your problem is still with the Ign switch / wiring to the starter
If it doesn't then you have a battery / cable / starter / starter solenoid problem.
Does the solenoid " click" when you touch the jumper wire ?

 

I should check those as well. I assume these are all the wire ends connected to the chassis?

 

I have never done this before. If I understand you correct, I need to jump start the starter with jumper cables? As of now the starter makes no "click" noise.

 

not jumper cables, just a piece of wire, essentially he is telling you to conduct the same test that was done if you had it tested at a place like autozone, but you would be doing it while in the car, using the car's electrical system for power.

if the starter cranks when you do this it proves that your starter is properly grounded and you have power from the battery to the main stud on the starter and that your problem is with the start circuit. (starter relay, starter switch, or wiring)

 

Thanks for clearing that up Excess. That one had me scratching my head and wondering if it was safe to do hahaha.

 

also, make sure you hooked your start wire up to the correct stud, alot of starter solenoids have two small posts, one marked with an "s" and another marked with an "r" i believe, you want your small start wire hooked to the one marked with an "s"

 

hold it in the crank position and shift the car through the gears....if it cranks then the neutral safety switch is bad.