Here is my problem with my 70 SS Chevelle. Just today I went to start the car and nothing (no clicking from the starter, nothing). All Lights are working (not dim), radio working, etc. The battery is strong (even tried to jump just in case). All wiring in the car is new and I've not had a problem until today.

After many attempts trying to start I did get it to fire up once, shut off and next attempt it fired, attempt after nothing again. By the way the car wasn't hot at all, has been sitting for about a week. I checked under the dash to ensure all the connections were tight and my grounds were good. I tried again for the next 30 min's or so and I got frustrated and banged the bottom of the steering column, next turn it started. I shut off again and it didn't start. BTW all my turn signals work if that matters

So I was possibly thinking the ignition switch (at the top of the steering column) maybe or the wiring inside the steering column. What are you guys thoughts and a recommended test or fix? I think the only wiring that I haven't swapped out over the past 2 years is the wiring inside the column (not sure the name of it and who sells it if I do need it).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

Nothing "inside" the column has anything to do with the starter operation.

Time to start checking voltages.
Power from the ignition switch to the neutral safety switch and power out of the neutral safety switch to the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid. (during key in start position @ time of failure.)

My neutral safety switch is bypassed (purple wires), has been for a long time now. Should I drop the column and take a look at the ignition switch at all or long shot that is bad?

Might be easier to check the voltage at the purple wires and see if there is anything coming to it from the ignition.

How is it bypassed?
Problem might be there.

Back in the day someone put a metal clip inside the plug (Purple Wires) that connects the two together to close the circuit and then wrapped with electrical tape.

I understand I need to check voltage but which wires am I checking? I'll check to see if the wire is hot to the starter on the S terminal.

I was working on my radio this weekend (rear speaker plug) and the problem started ... never had an issue starting before. I was hoping that I just got a wire loose somewhere when I was under the dash but everything is where it should be with tight connections. I also find it odd that I got it to start twice during the many attempts without really doing anything else.

Me and electrical dont play nice together.

I think I would start by unwrapping the tape and checking the voltage at the purple wires.

IF no power there, work your way back to the ignition switch.

IF there is power at the purple wire, work your way forward to the "S" terminal on the solenoid.

Could be a bad connection at the home brewed splice under the tape or at the bulkhead connector possibly.

Okay. I tested my purple wire and I have power coming out of the left side of the connector (while looking at it) when I turn the ignition key. I secured the bypass clip back in and still didn't start.

Looking at my starter I only see a Yellow Wire going into the motor side of the engine next to the power cable from the battery (I have HEI BTW) ... I dont see a purple wire? Am I missing something or not required for HEI. Assuming I had a good ground there is no power going to the Yellow Wire when I turn the key.

What to check next? Appreciate the quick responses you all have, I'm working on the car and checking the website ... love this site!!!!

Thanks,

Dave

Okay .. well I messed with the bypass on the NSS wire and got the car to start. So maybe that connection was bad. Think I'm gonna figure out how to hook it up how it should so I dont have to mess with a bypass.

Appreciate your guys assistance.

Dave

Back in the day someone put a metal clip inside the plug (Purple Wires) that connects the two together to close the circuit and then wrapped with electrical tape.


If you don't want a NSS, you should solder those wires together. Your problem might be right there.

I think I'm just going to hook up the NSS. Funny that I literally put new wiring from the engine compartment back to the trunk EXCEPT for messing with the backyard mech fix on the NSS wire .. live and learn.

Appreciate everyone's assistance.