My engine will not start?

Tiny
JENNFLETCH70
  • MEMBER
  • 1970 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
It will not start, it doesn't even turn over. We had the starter tested, bought a new solenoid, and rewired it, but that still doesn't help. Someone said it could be a neutral safety switch, but I can't find one at any auto parts store. When you turn the key you can hear a faint click when sitting in the car, but you can't hear it under the hood. We did a bypass on the starter, the solenoid, and everything else we could, so the battery is putting out juice, but not connecting somewhere along the way to the starter. A lot of the parts in it are original so it could be some 38 year old part gone bad. I would really appreciate your help, thank you for your time.
Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 4:53 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test all the fusible links on the starter motor battery terminal-if okay check for power at purple wire on the solenoid while key is at start position-No power could mean the NSS or the ignition switch starter control circuit-
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Monday, June 30th, 2008 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
KGOODWIN32
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the same problem, were you able to get it started?
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
The neutral switch is on the lower steering column. Its on the top with 2 vacuum hoses to it. If their is no power at the purple wire. Check the voltage at the neu. Switch.
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
KGOODWIN32
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the quick reply cadieman, I'm sorta a newbie at this. Would you happen to have a picture (illustration) of the location and what to look for?
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
KGOODWIN32
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Kudos cadieman, that's it! I found it, it was coming apart. I tried to fit it back together but the to copper clips and a spring came out. Where do I find this part? Is there some sort of retrofit available or solution? Thank you so much for your time!
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 AT 4:06 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
If I remember right you can push those clips back in to tighten the switch back up. It has 2 clips. Then you adjust it to start in park and neutral. If it wont call a a/c delco parts store and see if they can order one. All so call the dealer and see if they can order one. Gl thanks for using 2carpros
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
POPSECRET
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Won't start it only makes a clicking sound. I have a 1970 Cadillac with a brand new battery, brand new starter, and a brand new voltage regulator. I am trying to find out where is the relay switch is located.
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Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 AT 7:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
I would use a breaker bar on the front of the engine to make sure the engine is not locked up. This guide can help and I have included the wiring test guide so you can see fi everything is getting power:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Friday, June 18th, 2021 AT 12:58 PM

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