1500cummins

Ok so i have a 94 pickup 5 speed with v6 and ive been fighting this no start problem for a while. So i decided to add a push button start.
The way i hooked it up is i attached a wire from + side of battery to push button then out of button straight to the starter. It worked one time and now it wont do nothing. I pulled wire off the starter and its getting 12.6 volts but will not turn over. did i mess it up?

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

Which connection on the starter did you run the switched side of the wire to? The solenoid connection or the big main starter connection? Either way I'm betting you simply melted the switch. The solenoid draws a good amount of current, and the starter draws way more than any switch will take, at least any switch you'll find at an auto parts store.

I would suggest you find the source of the problem with the factory ignition system and repair it properly. Don't try to rig up some push button to work around it. It'll last longer, be safer, and won't look like some hackjob mechanic tried to "fix" it. Plus, nobody wants to help diagnose electrical problems if you have a bunch of wires running everywhere.

1500cummins

yeah i understand what you mean about the hack job and stuff. I connected to the little wire for the solenoid. I figured once it got 12volts the starter would turn over. and it did once but now it doesnt ill put all back like its suppose to but is there anything in the starter i could have messed up from doing this.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

I don't think that would do any damage to the starter.

1500cummins

Alright so now after hooking everything up there is still no start. Is there a test i can do to see if the starter is good before removing it.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

If the starter cranked when you put power to the solenoid then it is good.

1500cummins

That is the problem it only worked once. now if i give the starter 12v it does not do anything. So im assuming the starter is bad now.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

I don't know why that would happen but anything is possible.

millball

Give that starter a good smack or two with a BFH.
If that makes it crank, your starter brushes or solenoid contacts are likely worn out.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Just how are you giving the starter 12V??

Just what kind of connections did you make Solder?? Crimp connections??

Perhaps one of those failed.

This has to have a back ground how did this all start??

Are we talking Auto or Manual Trans??

Perhaps one of the safety switches is not working.

RAD4Runner

Amen! Do it cleanly, not like the other P.O's that we curse at when we find their hack wiring job.

Besides... A push button start? Reminds me of my friend's Prius, it's got a push-button start. LOL!

Concur.

Find the schematic and understand how cranking system works (see my sig) so you're not throwing the wrong parts, time and money at a problem.

BTW, starter solenoid coil current is around 12 Amps. What's your push button switch capacity?

boxer.fan

Take the starter down to the auto parts and have them check it, they do it for free. Otherwise may be your positive cable or ground.

Gevo

Ok. Before you get confused with all the advice on here...

Everyone is giving you goo advice, but before you start shotgunning the problem with this advice, think it through logically.

The absolute first thing to do is test the voltage at the solenoid (small wire) during crank. If no power is going to the solenoid, whacking the starter will just be hurting it. If there is power going to the solenoid, whack it good 2-3 times and it should turn over. If you break the housing you won't be able to core the starter!

If there is no power, report back and you'll get advice on here what to do next.

If there is power and whacking doesn't help, remove starter, get it bench tested, report back here.

RJR

Also make sure the main wire to the starter (big cable direct from the battery) has good connections everywhere. It's not unusual for the connection to corrode at at the battery such that the large cable simply can't supply the amps necessary to turn the starter, even if the solenoid is working. Measure the voltage at the large terminal on the starter while an assistant is turning the key. If it drops much below 10 volts you have a connection problem.

Gevo

Yes, this to!

JohnnyCanuck

Hitting the starter will wreck it? Maybe you've never been on a trail and had to belt your starter after slopping through mud to get the solenoid to kick in. Watch 4 Wheeler Top Truck Challenge, there's always some competitor every year running under their rig to smack the starter. Will it fix anything? No, but it if your solenoid/starter is dying, it might get you going again. Checking the voltage is indeed the first and easiest to check, if it's good, then I (repeat I) would try a couple of smacks on the solenoid/starter before I removed it just to see.

Gevo

JohnnyCanuck, I merely suggested to test voltage first.. so he doesn't needlessly pound on the starter. If you read on surely you would see the rest of my thought.

JohnnyCanuck

I can't see your thoughts, I can read them though

1500cummins

Thanks for all the help guys. I got the problem fixed so after i checked all my voltages after the truck would not start i realized it was the starter and i pulled it off and took it apart and found a wire where the solder broke loose so i re-soldered it now everything works good. So far. I am thinking that it was a loose connection this whole time and that is why my truck would not start every time. Thanks again for all the help, and i did leave the push button start off.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

Glad to hear you figured it out and it was something simple.