1994 GMC C1500 No Crank

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JIMGMC
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I have a 94 GMC pickup 1500 V6 4.3 motor with 200,000+ miles on it. It wont turn over anything. When I try it doesn't dim lights. Someone told me it may have a remote starter control or what?. Where is this located and can I get another or fix this one? Jim Wiseman
Feb 24, 2007 at 6:10 AM
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KIN CHAN
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GM truck does not have a remote starter.
Feb 24, 2007 at 2:17 PM
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JIMGMC
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Here is the whole story on this electrical or weird problem:

A few days ago I came home from town and pulled up in front of the garage and turned off the key. The motor kept on idling along like I hadn't turned off the key! I tried a few times turning the key off and on and it still idled right along. Then I happened to step on the brake pedal and the motor shut off!!! Next day started up truck and went to town. Went to one store and came out and tried to start, nothing happened. All the usual lights were lighted on the dash but nothing. Turned on headlights to see if the starter would dim them when trying to start, didn't dim at all. Towed truck home. Turned off key after putting transmission in P after towing and turned off key. Buzzer was going so took out key and buzzer still going, lights on dash on!!! Wiggled brake pedal and lights and buzzer went off! When wiggled brake pedal again same thing buzzer and dash lights. Took of battery cable. I have never heard of any thing like this in 50+ years has anyone else??? Thanks, Jim Wiseman
Feb 25, 2007 at 7:22 AM
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JIMGMC
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Here is the answer to this mystery. My buddy has been a mechanic for 30 years so I took the truck to him. I told him about applying the brake and all the other symptoms I had. He took off the brake switch put on a new one and a coil that was burned out on acct of relays were open on acct of switch and the truck started up!!! Darnedest thing he ever saw in his experience. Truck is just fine now. JW
Mar 14, 2007 at 11:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Interesting. First, like you I never heard of something like this. LOL Regardless, thank you for posting the repair. I'm certain it will help others.

Thanks again,
Joe
Mar 25, 2020 at 8:55 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the brake light switch and the burned ignition coil. The failed switch left relays open and burned the coil, which also explained the no-crank and power that stayed on until the brake pedal was moved.

Conversation Summary

A 1994 GMC C1500 with a 4.3L V6 would not crank and the lights did not dim when starting was attempted. Earlier, the engine kept idling after the key was turned off until the brake pedal was pressed, and later the dash lights and buzzer stayed on until the pedal was wiggled. A mechanic found a failed brake switch that left relays open and burned the coil. Replacing the switch and coil restored normal starting.

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