OK, here is the issue, I have a GM column tilt, floor shift and it has the selector box down on the column..PROBLEM..with the key is start position the engine turns over but won't start, as soon as I let the key go to run position is will start..NOW..sometimes when I've driven it shut if off if will start in the start position..I can't figure it out..I sure would appreciate some direction to solve my problem.. More info, the starter is on my 241 Dodge Hemi. I have protronix guts in my 318 LA distributor, pertronix Flamethrower coil.. Thanks Duane..
Sounds like the solenoid is screwed. Does it have 2 small terminals? One would be for the solenoid engagement and the other would put a full 12 volts to the ignition when cranking. If this has failed, the only time you would get power to the ignition might be when you let the key drop back to the run position.
I had a faulty ignition switch that caused this very problem. When the key was turned to the start position the voltage to the dist. went to zero. (Hecho en Mexico). New switch, no prob.
what position on the ignition switch do you have the ignition wire (the one going to the coil) hooked to? if you look inside it with a magnifying gl*** you can see some little letters....it should be hooked to I-1. the one marked I-3 has no power while the switch is in the start position
I had no problems till just recently, before it would start-up in the start position and run in the run position.. Duane.
you need to test it with a test light or volt meter. check for voltage at the + side of the coil while in the start position. if it doesn't have voltage work your way back checking. if you have voltage to the coil then try a new coil, i had one do the same thing about a month ago and it was a bad coil (ultimately traced the overheating coils to a bad pertronix unit). also check for voltage at the + side of the coil while slowly turning the key from on to start. if it has power in the on position and loses it on the way to the start i would check out the ignition switch (at the bottom of the column) NOT the tumbler (key switch).
That's what I was thinking. It might be out of adjustment enough to pull past start or into the dead area of you switch, mounted on your column. (beings as it worked before)
First, thanks for the direction all..I put a light on the + side of the coil, light lite up when I turned the key to run position and when I put it start the light lite up but dim, then a little brighter then dim, the light would would not stay the same. I will try to adjust the selector switch that is down on the column. Not sure whick way to move it.. Thanks Duane.
Here's a couple of possibilities. Considering it's Dodge based, does it have a typical Dodge dual ballast resistor? If it does, change it! It's a common problem with the resistors. If not, then check the wire from the starter solenoid to the coil. What you are describing from your tests indicate either one of these two problems, or poor contact in the solonoid during cranking. Gotta love those electrical problems!!!
the key tumbler is like a small rack and pinion set-up, it pushes down on the ignition switch. you need play with it up or down, but i would check to make sure the contacts inside are in good shape (be careful taking it apart, it's plastic).
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