Intermittent starting issue
#1
Intermittent starting issue
I have a 1991 4x4 with a 3.0 L v6. Recently I have an intermittent issue with starting. Sometimes when i turn the key to start, I get nothing. No dash lights, no attempt to start, no radio, it is as if I never turned the key. The buzzer that tells me the key is inserted still works when the door is open and dome and headlights work fine. I can try again and again with nothing, then five minutes later it will start fine and start great for the next couple of days. Any suggestions?
#2
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Oh, come on. This isn't rocket surgery, you've got a bad ignition switch.
But before you run off and buy a new one, test it. All answers are found in the Good Book. http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b.../3ignition.pdf
But before you run off and buy a new one, test it. All answers are found in the Good Book. http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b.../3ignition.pdf
#6
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Was the original switch bad (as in: tested)? Is the replacement switch new or junk?
There is no single fuse or relay whose failure will make "nothing work." You need to use a multimeter to find out if you have power to the switch, and if the switch is distributing power correctly. That will tell you which way to go; everything else (my advice included) is just guessing.
Don't have a multimeter? No excuse for that: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-98025.html
There is no single fuse or relay whose failure will make "nothing work." You need to use a multimeter to find out if you have power to the switch, and if the switch is distributing power correctly. That will tell you which way to go; everything else (my advice included) is just guessing.
Don't have a multimeter? No excuse for that: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-98025.html
#7
Was the original switch bad (as in: tested)? Is the replacement switch new or junk...
Don't have a multimeter? No excuse for that: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-98025.html
Don't have a multimeter? No excuse for that: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-98025.html
Do not blindly throw parts (especially untested ones), money and time at the problem.
DO own a multi-meter. Next to our senses (common sense included) that is the most important tool for diagnosing electrical problems.
Do look at the schematic.
And "headlights, dome light and the buzzer" always work?
"no attempt to start, no radio", IF Combined with no wiper, no turn signals (but hazards should still work), would suggests ignition switch , like Scope mentioned above ^^^
Last edited by RAD4Runner; 05-15-2014 at 06:14 PM.
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#8
Hey. Positive the headlights work and the dome and dash lights do not. But not a problem any more. I figured it out. There was a broken bolt in the fuse box under the hood. (still not sure how that happened.) it was on the fuse for the alternator. the wire was not making good contact at times and shorting out with other wires at times. it had even melted some of the plastic. I moved the fuse to another spot and replaced the broken bolt. All fixed. Thank you all for your help.
#9
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