Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG)

[Minion1186]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

yeah, I tried starting in neutral, just does the same thing it does in park. When I do turn the key, The brake warning and another warning light come on in my gauges only when I turn the key to crank the motor which doesnt crank.

 

[pontiacgp]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

if it's a tilt column have you tried starting it putting the wheel in different positions...I've had problems with the joint on the rod going to the ignition switch and had to put the wheel in lowered position for the car to start.

 

[Nozer]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

loose battery connection? may sound stupid but its happened to me before

 

[bigblock83cutlass]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

if it's a tilt column have you tried starting it putting the wheel in different positions...I've had problems with the joint on the rod going to the ignition switch and had to put the wheel in lowered position for the car to start.

I had the same problem on my 83, there is a rod that runs the length of the column and the igniton switch is at the bottom of the column, when you turn the key there is a piece in the column that pushes the rod and activates the ignition switch. If i remember correctly theres 2 bolts that hold it on. (Was 15 years ago or more) If my memory is correct the part is only 12 bucks. might have to order it. Took me a couple months to figure it out! had a Dealership tech tell me "those switches never go bad" ended up being the least expensive of all the parts I changed trying to fix it

 

[Bonnewagon]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

That mechanism is the sector gear. When you turn the ignition key, the sector gear rotates and pushes the rod which actuates the ignition switch. You need to verify that this is happening, they can get sloppy or broken. By the way, that is the reason car thieves bash open the steering column, so they can just grab the rod and push, starting the car.

 

[Blake442]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

You actually pull the rod to start, not push it.

There is no neutral safety switch in any g-body.
It is a park/neutral switch. It simply tells the computer whether the car is in gear or park/neutral, so it can adjust the idle speed accordingly.
The actual neutral safety feature is completely mechanical. The rotation of the column bowl will only allow the key to be turned in park/neutral.

Time to break out the multi-meter and track down where you're losing voltage...

 

[bigblock83cutlass]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

You actually pull the rod to start, not push it.

There is no neutral safety switch in any g-body.
It is a park/neutral switch. It simply tells the computer whether the car is in gear or park/neutral, so it can adjust the idle speed accordingly.
The actual neutral safety feature is completely mechanical. The rotation of the column bowl will only allow the key to be turned in park/neutral.

Time to break out the multi-meter and track down where you're losing voltage...

"Push or Pull" Replace the switch at that the bottom of the column.
your problem will be solved

 

[69hurstolds]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

You actually pull the rod to start, not push it.

There is no neutral safety switch in any g-body.
It is a park/neutral switch. It simply tells the computer whether the car is in gear or park/neutral, so it can adjust the idle speed accordingly.
The actual neutral safety feature is completely mechanical. The rotation of the column bowl will only allow the key to be turned in park/neutral.

Time to break out the multi-meter and track down where you're losing voltage...

While I totally agree with your first and last sentence, the rest of it...I'm going to go ahead and disagree with you partway there. That little switch on top of the base of the column is indeed a mechanical neutral start system switch and your reverse light switch. You're correct it is not electrically activated to prevent a start from anything other than park or neutral, but it is not based on the bowl position by itself. It's on the adjusment of the switch in relation to the neutral position AND bowl position. That's why it needs to be adjusted to keep you from starting in Drive or Reverse or something other than park/neutral. And it can be adjusted. And it's also important to keep as much slop out of the system to keep things operating right.

But if the start switch is engaging fully and still not starting or is intermittent, then it's likely NOT the park/neutral switch. Then my money goes on the starter switch.

Just to clarify about the park/neutral switch, page 3B5-2 from the 1985 Cutlass CSM states (see pic below):

 

[Bonnewagon]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

Actually, it's both. A tilt column pulls, while a standard column pushes. I've been fooled before on this, so I just checked each type I have down the basement. And that's why RockAuto offers switches for either with or without tilt.

 

[Minion1186]

Re: Intermittent No start issue after replacing column (LONG

Found it! There's a wire that goes to the stud on the alternator and that little wire was lose, guessing it runs into a main power lead or to battery. Moving the wire around while turning the key made the motor crank over, so I tightened it up and its all good now.

Next problem is my lightning rods are stuck in drive so I might be going back to a stock shifter.

Thanks anyway guys.