Starter Signal Wire Voltage Drop

GMC
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CLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok, main wire coming from battery gets full 12 volts, when cranked it still gets full voltage.
So heres the breakdown,
1. Signal wire(from ignition) cranked unconnected 11.45 volt
2. Signal wire connected/cranked 5.4 volts
3. Main wire(from battery) 12 volts consistently.
If I jump a wire from positive battery terminal to the small signal wire on starter it starts everytime.
This is not a gm vehicle, but I figuire starting systems/starter problems are pretty universal :lol:
Mar 19, 2006 at 5:57 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
You're getting it from the key at start mode that tells me your solenoid when south bound.
Mar 19, 2006 at 8:58 PM
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CLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:03e6cac38c="rasmataz"]You're getting it from the key at start mode that tells me your solenoid when south bound.[/quote:03e6cac38c]
I opened the old starter solenoid, contacts were not really worn much at all, is there anything else it could be?
Mar 20, 2006 at 4:48 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Misread your post. Solenoid good, the only thing you got left is the Igniiton switch and the Neutral Safety Switch. Double check all connections down at the starter and back to the battery.
Mar 29, 2006 at 10:04 PM
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Suggested Repair

Check the ignition switch and neutral safety switch, and double-check all connections at the starter and back to the battery. The signal-wire voltage drop points to the control circuit rather than the main battery cable or worn solenoid contacts.

Conversation Summary

The owner reported a starting problem where the main battery wire stayed at about 12 volts, but the ignition signal wire dropped from about 11.45 volts unconnected to about 5.4 volts when connected during cranking. Jumping battery positive to the starter signal wire made it start every time. After the solenoid contacts were found not badly worn, the expert said the remaining likely causes are the ignition switch and neutral safety switch, and advised rechecking connections at the starter and back to the battery.

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