Truck won't turnover randomly

ACE2790 · 11-04-2009, 09:13 PM

For about a month now my truck has had a tendency to randomly not turn over. I have plenty of power, but when I turn the ignition...nothing happens, all I experience is the dings and lights and what not. Turn it off, give it a second or two, try it again and it will fire up. Any ideas? Bad starter or we looking at ignition issues? It's a 2000 S10 2.2L, with rougly 143K miles.

***orangesonoma*** · 11-04-2009, 09:14 PM

could be both...i would check the starter wire at the starter for power during crank

ACE2790 · 11-04-2009, 09:31 PM

Thanks for the quick response sir, I'll check into that when I can get ahold of a voltmeter.

evanspears1 · 11-04-2009, 11:20 PM

i was actually getting ready to post a thread for the same reason... sometimes it will turn over on the first turn... some times it will take 4-5 turns of the switch, and on a few occasions it has took as look as 10 minutes to start...

dont know if it would matter or not, but it seems to be worse when it is cold otuside... or it could just be piss poor luck on my part...haha

ACE2790 · 11-05-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by evanspears1

i was actually getting ready to post a thread for the same reason... sometimes it will turn over on the first turn... some times it will take 4-5 turns of the switch, and on a few occasions it has took as look as 10 minutes to start...

dont know if it would matter or not, but it seems to be worse when it is cold otuside... or it could just be piss poor luck on my part...haha

x2, same thing here.

xxannihilationx · 11-05-2009, 01:57 AM

ignition switch. had this happen a year ago. i think they are like 20 bucks from napa

dimerunner88 · 11-05-2009, 01:59 AM

it could be acouple of things,i would do like brian said and test for voltage at the starter control wire for starters.

deathphoenix99 · 11-05-2009, 09:04 AM

I'd check the nut for the main power wire on the starter. Mine came loose a while back. It would start perfectly sometimes, others I would turn it and I just hear a single click then nothing. Voltage and everything was fine though.

My original starter went out a couple years ago, it would start fine sometimes, others it would just spin. The solenoid wasn't engaging.

S10dude · 11-05-2009, 09:48 AM

sounds like ignition switch .....had one in my old chevelle (69) do same thing

ACE2790 · 11-05-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by xxannihilationx

ignition switch. had this happen a year ago. i think they are like 20 bucks from napa

Care to elaborate on how to replace this thing?

xxannihilationx · 11-05-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ACE2790

Care to elaborate on how to replace this thing?

its in your steering column. I'd love to give more details on it but i can't remember what all i had to take loose to get to it since i can barely remember what i did yesterday much less a year ago haha. alls you have to take off is the cover for the column. you dont have to take off the steering wheel. When you buy the part and look for it on the column you'll be able to find it

ACE2790 · 11-05-2009, 04:58 PM

Well I'll go out there and check it out, hopefully I can figure out how to take off the column cover.

evanspears1 · 11-05-2009, 07:56 PM

imma start on the starter wire, just gotta wait till I get home this weekend to fiddle with stuff... I hate working on anything in a college parking lot...

side story - nearly got arrested for working on my truck in a parking lot here on campus... they said I was trying to steal the catalytic converter...haha, was nowhere near that part of the truck, I was replacing the serp. belt tensioner...lol.. moral of the story=cops are dumb!

/end story...

xxannihilationx · 11-06-2009, 02:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ACE2790

Well I'll go out there and check it out, hopefully I can figure out how to take off the column cover.

might be too late now but there are 3 hex screws underneath after that it should pop off

xxannihilationx · 11-06-2009, 02:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by evanspears1

side story - nearly got arrested for working on my truck in a parking lot here on campus... they said I was trying to steal the catalytic converter...haha, was nowhere near that part of the truck, I was replacing the serp. belt tensioner...lol.. moral of the story=cops are dumb!

/end story...

that would have been terrible if you got arrested for working on your own truck!

evanspears1 · 11-06-2009, 03:10 AM

ya, the way these dickhead campus cops are around here, Im surprised I didnt, I didnt have any Id on me, the only reason I got let go was b/c I had a key to the thing, and I told them exactly where the title, and insurance was in my glove box when they decided to search my truck...

ACE2790 · 11-06-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by xxannihilationx

might be too late now but there are 3 hex screws underneath after that it should pop off

naw, I still havent done it. Any obvious signs to look for to know its bad?

ACE2790 · 11-06-2009, 05:28 PM

Ok Update: Just went outside and took the dash somewhat apart, but couldnt get the column cover off due to my tilt steering column. Might try and get a volt meter and see if I can check the volts on the starter/battery cable when I can get it somewhere thats not gravel and I can get it off the ground some.

alvisoroadsters · 11-07-2009, 01:07 AM

you could just voltage seek at the 50 terminal on the starter, set the dmm for min/max and check it while cranking. see if voltage is dropping through the switch

my_nightmare · 11-09-2009, 08:52 PM

Hi there.., I work as a mechanic. Try the following:
1) grab a partner to turn key and u get under truck to test the switch wire with volt meter. it should be 12 volts with the key is in the "CRANK" position....
(If not.., suspect the switch on the column.., if it factory switch and factory column.., post back and I can give ya details on how to replace it...)

1.5) check the fuses for the start in fuse box...( i have seen shorted fuses do this same issue as well...)

2) if you got 12 volts at switch wire..., check the volts from battery wire on starter.., it should be 12 volts as well... (if not suspect cable OR connection at battery...)

3) check all connections at battery to make sure they are no corrosion or that it has got a definite good connection to battery.(alot I seen, light up dash.., but at random times wont crank either....)

4) if all of the above is good..., i would go with switch on column.., they do have a tendency to fail alot due to how they are made nowadays... ( if new switch has been installed.., suspect the starter then.)
Hope this helps..., and if it the switch.., and u want to install it.., post on here again.., i will tell ya what I know on how to install it in details...
l8taz
Allen

ACE2790 · 11-12-2009, 02:37 PM

The first thing I did was clean the connections at the battery and make sure everything was tightened down, so that shouldn't be an issue.

I'll look into the fuse thing this afternoon, but it might be like two weeks before I am able to get the truck home and on jack stands to check all that stuff out.

Can you tell me where the switch wire is on the underside of the truck?

my_nightmare · 11-17-2009, 12:55 AM

switch wire - it usually is a little 10# or 12# purple colored wire(on most gm's.., others its different colors) that is connected to a single small post on starter.... I believe the starter is on the ppassenger side under the truck near bottom of engine....

Forbidden Love · 11-19-2009, 11:20 PM

Im having this same problem on my 2000 S10 2.2l. Ill turn the key and get just the battery light but engine is turning normal but wont start. Ive noticed a pattern though. if i turn the key on and all light come on and i hear my fuel pump pump it will start right up. The fuel pump only come on when the check engine light comes on. If i turn the key and no lights engine will turn but not start. Ill keep trying 2,3-4 how ever many tries but as soon as that check engine light come on and fuel pump it will finally start. Went to Autozone todays and they said it sounds like the ignition switch in the steering colum might have bad contacts. And $65 part.

11-04-2009, 09:13 PM	#1
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Truck won't turnover randomly For about a month now my truck has had a tendency to randomly not turn over. I have plenty of power, but when I turn the ignition...nothing happens, all I experience is the dings and lights and what not. Turn it off, give it a second or two, try it again and it will fire up. Any ideas? Bad starter or we looking at ignition issues? It's a 2000 S10 2.2L, with rougly 143K miles.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 09:14 PM	#2
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,858 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: Online	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly could be both...i would check the starter wire at the starter for power during crank
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 09:31 PM	#3
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Thanks for the quick response sir, I'll check into that when I can get ahold of a voltmeter.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 11:20 PM	#4
evanspears1 what? Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 368 Location: Prestonsburg, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly i was actually getting ready to post a thread for the same reason... sometimes it will turn over on the first turn... some times it will take 4-5 turns of the switch, and on a few occasions it has took as look as 10 minutes to start... dont know if it would matter or not, but it seems to be worse when it is cold otuside... or it could just be piss poor luck on my part...haha
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 01:08 AM	#5
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by evanspears1 i was actually getting ready to post a thread for the same reason... sometimes it will turn over on the first turn... some times it will take 4-5 turns of the switch, and on a few occasions it has took as look as 10 minutes to start... dont know if it would matter or not, but it seems to be worse when it is cold otuside... or it could just be piss poor luck on my part...haha x2, same thing here.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 01:57 AM	#6
xxannihilationx Stepsides are cool Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,056 Location: Jax,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly ignition switch. had this happen a year ago. i think they are like 20 bucks from napa
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 01:59 AM	#7
dimerunner88 whore turned lurker Age: 23 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 19,766 Location: Clay City,IN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly it could be acouple of things,i would do like brian said and test for voltage at the starter control wire for starters.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 09:04 AM	#8
deathphoenix99 94 2.2, feel the power? Age: 19 Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,000 Location: Houston, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly I'd check the nut for the main power wire on the starter. Mine came loose a while back. It would start perfectly sometimes, others I would turn it and I just hear a single click then nothing. Voltage and everything was fine though. My original starter went out a couple years ago, it would start fine sometimes, others it would just spin. The solenoid wasn't engaging.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 09:48 AM	#9
S10dude workin it ! Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 11,029 Location: Sacramento,Ca. User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly sounds like ignition switch .....had one in my old chevelle (69) do same thing
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 03:37 PM	#10
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by xxannihilationx ignition switch. had this happen a year ago. i think they are like 20 bucks from napa Care to elaborate on how to replace this thing?
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 04:23 PM	#11
xxannihilationx Stepsides are cool Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,056 Location: Jax,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by ACE2790 Care to elaborate on how to replace this thing? its in your steering column. I'd love to give more details on it but i can't remember what all i had to take loose to get to it since i can barely remember what i did yesterday much less a year ago haha. alls you have to take off is the cover for the column. you dont have to take off the steering wheel. When you buy the part and look for it on the column you'll be able to find it
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 04:58 PM	#12
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Well I'll go out there and check it out, hopefully I can figure out how to take off the column cover. Last edited by ACE2790 : 11-05-2009 at 05:01 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-05-2009, 07:56 PM	#13
evanspears1 what? Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 368 Location: Prestonsburg, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly imma start on the starter wire, just gotta wait till I get home this weekend to fiddle with stuff... I hate working on anything in a college parking lot... side story - nearly got arrested for working on my truck in a parking lot here on campus... they said I was trying to steal the catalytic converter...haha, was nowhere near that part of the truck, I was replacing the serp. belt tensioner...lol.. moral of the story=cops are dumb! /end story...
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-06-2009, 02:51 AM	#14
xxannihilationx Stepsides are cool Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,056 Location: Jax,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by ACE2790 Well I'll go out there and check it out, hopefully I can figure out how to take off the column cover. might be too late now but there are 3 hex screws underneath after that it should pop off
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-06-2009, 02:53 AM	#15
xxannihilationx Stepsides are cool Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,056 Location: Jax,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by evanspears1 side story - nearly got arrested for working on my truck in a parking lot here on campus... they said I was trying to steal the catalytic converter...haha, was nowhere near that part of the truck, I was replacing the serp. belt tensioner...lol.. moral of the story=cops are dumb! /end story... that would have been terrible if you got arrested for working on your own truck!
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-06-2009, 03:10 AM	#16
evanspears1 what? Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 368 Location: Prestonsburg, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly ya, the way these dickhead campus cops are around here, Im surprised I didnt, I didnt have any Id on me, the only reason I got let go was b/c I had a key to the thing, and I told them exactly where the title, and insurance was in my glove box when they decided to search my truck...
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-06-2009, 03:58 PM	#17
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Quote: Originally Posted by xxannihilationx might be too late now but there are 3 hex screws underneath after that it should pop off naw, I still havent done it. Any obvious signs to look for to know its bad?
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-06-2009, 05:28 PM	#18
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Ok Update: Just went outside and took the dash somewhat apart, but couldnt get the column cover off due to my tilt steering column. Might try and get a volt meter and see if I can check the volts on the starter/battery cable when I can get it somewhere thats not gravel and I can get it off the ground some.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-07-2009, 01:07 AM	#19
alvisoroadsters Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 183 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly you could just voltage seek at the 50 terminal on the starter, set the dmm for min/max and check it while cranking. see if voltage is dropping through the switch
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-09-2009, 08:52 PM	#20
my_nightmare Mr. Fix-it Perfectionist Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Georgia User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Hi there.., I work as a mechanic. Try the following: 1) grab a partner to turn key and u get under truck to test the switch wire with volt meter. it should be 12 volts with the key is in the "CRANK" position.... (If not.., suspect the switch on the column.., if it factory switch and factory column.., post back and I can give ya details on how to replace it...) 1.5) check the fuses for the start in fuse box...( i have seen shorted fuses do this same issue as well...) 2) if you got 12 volts at switch wire..., check the volts from battery wire on starter.., it should be 12 volts as well... (if not suspect cable OR connection at battery...) 3) check all connections at battery to make sure they are no corrosion or that it has got a definite good connection to battery.(alot I seen, light up dash.., but at random times wont crank either....) 4) if all of the above is good..., i would go with switch on column.., they do have a tendency to fail alot due to how they are made nowadays... ( if new switch has been installed.., suspect the starter then.) Hope this helps..., and if it the switch.., and u want to install it.., post on here again.., i will tell ya what I know on how to install it in details... l8taz Allen
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-12-2009, 02:37 PM	#21
ACE2790 Photoshop Fiend Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 8,420 Location: Mid TN User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly The first thing I did was clean the connections at the battery and make sure everything was tightened down, so that shouldn't be an issue. I'll look into the fuse thing this afternoon, but it might be like two weeks before I am able to get the truck home and on jack stands to check all that stuff out. Can you tell me where the switch wire is on the underside of the truck?
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-17-2009, 12:55 AM	#22
my_nightmare Mr. Fix-it Perfectionist Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Georgia User is: OffLine	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly switch wire - it usually is a little 10# or 12# purple colored wire(on most gm's.., others its different colors) that is connected to a single small post on starter.... I believe the starter is on the ppassenger side under the truck near bottom of engine....
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-19-2009, 11:20 PM	#23
Forbidden Love Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 26 Location: Junction City, KS User is: Online	Re: Truck won't turnover randomly Im having this same problem on my 2000 S10 2.2l. Ill turn the key and get just the battery light but engine is turning normal but wont start. Ive noticed a pattern though. if i turn the key on and all light come on and i hear my fuel pump pump it will start right up. The fuel pump only come on when the check engine light comes on. If i turn the key and no lights engine will turn but not start. Ill keep trying 2,3-4 how ever many tries but as soon as that check engine light come on and fuel pump it will finally start. Went to Autozone todays and they said it sounds like the ignition switch in the steering colum might have bad contacts. And $65 part.
	[Reply w/Quote]