No crank no start

1980 CHEVROLET BLAZER
30,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FROSTY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Truck has been sitting for a while, but I get main power to the starter but the exciter wire isn't getting power. neutral safety switch is new and ignition checks out good.
Sep 17, 2020 at 10:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When you say exciter wire, are you referring to the smaller wire on the starter attached to the S terminal? It should only have power with the key in the start position. Have you checked it that way? Have you checked to confirm power to the neutral safety switch and out from it?

Have you checked fuses? Have you checked the starter relay?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

I'm sorry, but I have no schematics for this model year. I'll do my best to help, but it is from memory, so bear with me. LOL

Let me know.


Joe
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:50 AM
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FROSTY2016
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  • 4 POSTS
I did test the exciter wire while trying to start the vehicle it didn't have power. I haven't confirmed that power is coming out of the neutral safety switch but I know it's going in it was replaced recently though.
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:50 AM
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FROSTY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
This vehicle doesn't have very many fuses I did check them though and no relays as far as I know.
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Okay, there may not be a relay. We need to work backwards to see where power is lost. That takes us to the neutral safety switch. Confirm there is both power to it and out when the key is on.

Let me know.

Joe
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:50 AM
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FROSTY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, I got it running yesterday I ohmed out the wires from the starter to the neutral safety switch and didn't find any breaks. I then found the ignition switch which on this model is installed on top of the steering column separate from the key and bench tested that no issues. but when I reinstalled it I must of moved it in the right spot because I got it to fire right up I did end up replacing the battery due to it being drained and charged a few times. thanks for the help I appreciate it .
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:51 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

The switch itself must have been out of adjustment. Regardless, I'm glad to hear it is running for you. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
Jan 30, 2021 at 1:51 AM
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