HELP! Electrical Problem

[Nick McCardle]

Okay, so I go to start my car a few days ago...turn the key, nothing. Battery is fine, lights work, getting good voltage, all gauges, etc. work. Believe it is most likely the starter solenoid, swap that. Still doing the same thing. Test voltage on the starter solenoid, the big main post is getting power where the main hot wire from the battery connects and the 3 wires come into 1 and connect, but the little S post with the one little red wire is getting no power. Decide to run a wire from the main post to the S post to test the solenoid and starter by "giving it a jump", it turns over- solenoid and starter work fine. Decide that the problem has to be the ignition switch on top of the column. Swap the ignition switch, turn the key...still nothing. No power from the key to the S post on the solenoid. My only option left seems to be to attempt to trace and possibly replace the wire from the S post up to wherever it comes in for the ignition switch. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[sam87]

Maybe the theft deterrent system? As our cars age, that system seems to cause more problems. Idea: Try disarming it by unlocking driver door with key. If still no start, remove wire from it to starter solenoid.

 

[soonergn]

I can't remember if there is a fusable link in that small wire but it's worth checking. If there is power coming out of the ignition switch but not reaching the starter then there's a problem with the wire inbetween somewhere. That's assuming there is power coming from the ign switch.