At wits end over my 1984 C10

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jacob1996

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1984
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finally started working on my C10 but i have a no start no crank problem i cant quite figure out. all i got currently is head lights and dome light. i have tail lights also but thats another problem. checked the fuses and they all looked good took a multimeter to em as well. battery is brand new. thought i could be the starter itself so took that off took it to the parts store they tested it and it worked as it should. so my next thought was not getting power from battery to starter so replaced the battery cables. yet still doesnt turn over
 

eskimomann209

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Did you test to see if the starter was getting voltage while cranking?
if not then your issue lies in the wiring. NSS, that little plug with the purple wire above the steering column will make the no start.
Ignition switch?
 

Frankenchevy

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Also agree NSS or ignition switch
 

Grit dog

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Neutral safety switch
Bad ignition switch (idk how to diagnose that specifically but they’re cheap and easy to replace if you’ve exhausted other options.
Short in the + wire to the starter solenoid? Can you turn key to run and jump the starter posts and get it to crank/fire?
 

SirRobyn0

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certainly if the starter is good and so is the battery the most likely thing will either be the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch.

Take a test light hook the clamp to a ground and put the other end on the small wire on the starter. Have friend turn the key to start. The test light should light up, if it doesn't then look at the purple wire, the neutral safety switch and the ignition switch. If the test light does light up nice and bright it's the starter. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen a starter spin when tested on a free spin, but won't turn the engine over. There is a huge difference between a starter working during a free spin test and when trying to turn an engine over. Also double and triple check connections, especially at the battery, just because there is a good enough contact to turn on the lights doesn't mean there is a good enough one to spin the motor over. side terminal posts are especially known for hiding issue. Make sure they are clean and tight.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.
 

Grit dog

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Jacob assuming you’re not even getting the starter solenoid to “click” when you hit the key. (But it worked on the bench test?)
Do what sirrobyn said. And again, see if you can jump the starter and get it running. This will verify if you have spark too.
 

79Square

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Try putting in neutral instead of park, it might engage the NSS. Also, you may want to jump the NSS, and if you get the starter to crank then it is your problem.

Another problem might be your block ground and not allowing current to the starter. The headlights and others that are working may have a frame or sheet metal ground.
 

DoubleDingo

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They've all covered everything I could think of except battery with no cranking amps. But you said it's new. So my vote is also with what the others have said. Report back what you find out.
 

Red Rex

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I have a MSD pro billet distributor and 6A box for ignition.

I had an issue where the starter would turn over the motor just fine but the truck would not start. Cleaned the ground at the battery, core support, and block real well.

problem solved
 

Ricko1966

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Before I take off a suspect starter I take a quarter out of my pocket and touch it to to the battery lead and the exciter wire on the solenoid if it cranks good, my problem is elsewhere.As said NSS I've had them where you have to hold with 1 hand hard up to park or they wouldn't crank. Ignition switch I've seen those where they need to be tweaked a little bit to get enough throw to actually engage the starter. Grit dog's right jump the solenoid see what happens if it cranks then, let us know I'll tell you how to test the switches and continuity on the wires.
 

Rusty Nail

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*yawn*

We ain't got nothing else better to talk about on this board? Must be kinda slow if we're all pokin around in some noob's starter thread..haha:(
 

gotyourgoat

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*yawn*

We ain't got nothing else better to talk about on this board? Must be kinda slow if we're all pokin around in some noob's starter thread..haha:(
It's about to get interesting based on everyone's suggestion of jumping the starter. Once we try that we'll have a fried solenoid and other burnt wires to diagnose. :badger_1:
 

eskimomann209

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It's about to get interesting based on everyone's suggestion of jumping the starter. Once we try that we'll have a fried solenoid and other burnt wires to diagnose. :badger_1:
I used to Jump my truck like this. I ordered a fancy mini starter. Its solenoid died. So I said, **** it. I’m not buying another summit “hi-torq” starter. I’ll do it like this. My brother wanted to drive my truck said he’d jumped starters plenty of times.
welp he grounded it out in a bad way. I spent some time tracing wires and replacing fuses before I could get it home to repair correctly. needless to say I check for amps at the starter when cranking but do not jump anymore lol.
 

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