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Will not start

Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 BUICK ROADMASTER
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 20,000 MILES
Okay, here goes; I had some trouble with the exhaust system. I got that fixed two plug wires got cut (please don't ask) fixed that (new wires) then she refused to start. Took the alternator in got it tested came back fine pot it back on checked the battery not perfect, so I replaced it with a new one. Still no start. Tried jumping the solenoid per mechanics suggestion didn't work. So, pulled the starter took it in for a rebuild mechanic insisted on checking it first. I'm glad he did, it was fine. So, brought it back put it on and hunted down the 20-amp fuse but again it was fine. So, I popped open the fuse panel and checked all of those fuses, all fine. Put in a new set anyway just in case still no start. I really do not know what to try next. A guy at the parts store said a switch on the steering column, but I'm not sure what he meant. If you could help me out I would really appreciate it.
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 AT 6:42 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

If you turn the key and get nothing, either there is a wiring issue, a bad starter, an issue with the park/neutral safety switch, or a power issue. Take a look through this link. It explains what to test when you have a starter not working.

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

Also, see if it will start when you place it in neutral. If it doesn't, we need to determine if or where the power loss is.

I pulled up the wiring schematic. There is a fusible link that may have failed. It powers the ignition switch.

I attached the wiring starting system wiring schematic below. Here is what I need you to do: First, there is a black heavy gauge wire direct from the battery. It should have 12v at all times. Confirm that.

If that is good, locate the thinner purple wire on the starter. That wire should have no voltage until the key is in the start position. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the purple wire.

If there is no power, either the fusible link has failed or there is an issue with the ignition switch. However, my guess is it would be the fusible link.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for your help. I picked up the switch and borrowed a multi meter. Then it started raining so I haven't had a chance to use either one yet. No I don't have a garage so repairs are delayed for now. Thank you for the diagram that is going to be very helpful in sorting out my wires. I will let you know how it works out as soon as I get to work on it again.
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
You are very welcome. I'm not sure where you are located, but we are getting one heck of a storm right now as well. LOL

I'll watch for your reply.

Take care (and dry),

Joe
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi, i'm back. Sorry for the delay it has been raining more often than not here. But I did finally get back to work on the car still haven't located the problem. Unfortunately, someone added a couple of things to the harness under the dash and they were not very tidy about it. You wouldn't have a diagram of those wires would you?
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Welcome back. As far as the wiring, absolutely I have wiring schematics. However, I need to know what circuit you are dealing with or where the wires are going on the vehicle. Otherwise, you will get a ton of schematics that are not relevant. LOL

If this were added to the harness from the ignition switch, there is a chance a remote starter was added. Do you have one on the vehicle that is an aftermarket system?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No, no remote starter I think it is to a 3-plug switch for things like cell phones it looks like the old fashion lighter plugs but there are three of them. Right now, i'm confused because the ignition goes to a cable that's connected to a switch (for lack of a better thing to call it) on the steering column I was told it is supposed to be a small steel rod not a cable. And if I don't take it off right the car won't start no matter what else I do. Should I take their advice and find a real mechanic?
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

There is a chance the cable you are seeing is for the shift interlock system. Alecia, what happens if you put the shifter in neutral? Does the starter then engage? Also, were you able to check at the starter for power?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi, well, I tried the neutral position and still nothing. All of the lights, light up inside but as soon as you try to start it everything goes off.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Alecia,

You indicated as soon as you try starting it, everything goes off. That sounds like a loose connection at the battery. Check to make sure they are clean and tight, and the battery is fully charged.

Do me a favor and take a look through this link. It may seem elementary, but you would be surprised how often this happens.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
ALECIA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hi, sorry it took so long to get back to you, but everything started dropping babies and I couldn't get to the car. Well, long story short. A friend had it towed to a mechanic where they replaced the starter and declared it fixed. I'm afraid it's just a band aid and this will happen again. So, I'm going to replace both the battery cables because I cannot find anything wrong with the other wires and apparently the bouncy ride on the tow truck giggled something just right because it turned over for them right after they dropped it off the wrecker. Does any of this make sense to you?
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Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

If the cables were loose or corroded, you are correct. The bouncing around on the truck could have allowed it to work.

As far as replacing the cables, if they appear to be in good condition, just make sure they are tight and clean. I'm here if you have trouble, so please feel free to let me know if things change.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 9:44 PM

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