[LearJet74]

I have a 71 Chevelle that won’t fire with the ignition key. All fuses have power through them except the small 4A fuse on the lower left hand side of the fuse panel. Will this prevent the ignition from starting the car? Gen light is also lit up on the dash.
what should I check?

thanks George

 

[mrpaticular]

Is the alternator belt tight ?
An old charging trick is to hold a screwdriver to the back bearing cap. Charging it should act like a magnet.
What is the 4 amp labeled for ?

 

[GM man]

Won't fire since when?
Did it fire and then work was done and now it won't fire ?
Definitely no power getting to starter ?

 

[oldcutlass]

The 4A fuse is for dash lighting and will only show power with the parking or headlights on. What distributor is in your car?

 

[LearJet74]

Won't fire since when?
Did it fire and then work was done and now it won't fire ?
Definitely no power getting to starter ?

Last time I was able to start it with the key was right after I installed an in dash tachometer. I started the car prior to reassembling the dashboard after that I have been unable to start the car.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

What distributor is in your car?

☝☝☝

If it's breaker points, you may have left your ignition on and burned up the contacts.

 

[Jim's69Ragtop]

What type of distributor? Have you tried removing the tach wire to see if it's causing the problem?

 

[Jayhawk500]

Last time I was able to start it with the key was right after I installed an in dash tachometer. I started the car prior to reassembling the dashboard after that I have been unable to start the car.

Here's what the issue is: "Last time I was able to start it with the key was right after I installed an in dash tachometer. I started the car prior to reassembling the dashboard after that I have been unable to start the car." "I have a 71 Chevelle that won’t fire with the ignition key."

This has everything to do with re-installing the dash after installing the dash tach. You need to go back under the dash and look to see if you knock any connectors off or forgot to plug in connectors, or pinched any wires. Look at all the places where's there's an attaching dash bolt and look for a pinched wire. Then look at your wire harness plugs. Did you re-connect the ignition switch on the steering column? Let us know what you find. Good luck.

 

[Jim's69Ragtop]

The other question I should have asked - does the starter turnover the engine and it just doesn't start or are you not getting anything from the key?

 

[LearJet74]

The other question I should have asked - does the starter turnover the engine and it just doesn't start or are you not getting anything from the key?

Nothing from the key.

 

[LearJet74]

Here's what the issue is: "Last time I was able to start it with the key was right after I installed an in dash tachometer. I started the car prior to reassembling the dashboard after that I have been unable to start the car." "I have a 71 Chevelle that won’t fire with the ignition key."

This has everything to do with re-installing the dash after installing the dash tach. You need to go back under the dash and look to see if you knock any connectors off or forgot to plug in connectors, or pinched any wires. Look at all the places where's there's an attaching dash bolt and look for a pinched wire. Then look at your wire harness plugs. Did you re-connect the ignition switch on the steering column? Let us know what you find. Good luck.

I can’t find anything loose crimped or broken.
The gen light is on when the key is turned.

 

[LearJet74]

What type of distributor? Have you tried removing the tach wire to see if it's causing the problem?

Hei style

 

[oldcutlass]

If it won' engage the starter, look at the neutral safety switch. If it cranks and won't fire then follow the Batt connection wire at the distributor.

 

[GM man]

If its a column shifter I've seen it many times where patk pawl or n safety a little worn and if selector/lever sn't all the way "up" it'll give ya the blank stare lol
Reach around steering wheel with left hand and hold up on the lever . Turn key with right hand .

 

[LearJet74]

If its a column shifter I've seen it many times where patk pawl or n safety a little worn and if selector/lever sn't all the way "up" it'll give ya the blank stare lol
Reach around steering wheel with left hand and hold up on the lever . Turn key with right hand .

It’s a manual I checked connections on clutch switch

 

[oldcutlass]

Does it crank but not fire or does not crank at all?

 

[LearJet74]

Does it crank but not fire or does not crank at all?

No cranking nothing happens

 

[magicrat56]

Make sure the ignition switch plug is all the way in.

 

[oldcutlass]

Look for the 2 purple wires near the base of the steering column, one has a white stripe. Jumper them at the plug.

 

[LearJet74]

I solved the problem and the suggestions helped me do it. The ignition switch went bad which was diagnosed when there was no power coming out of it to the starter.

I replaced the ignition switch now the car fires up. Thanks for the help.