[pdx66]

hi folks, i have a '66 malibu w/ 283. currently i can only seem to start my car by jumping it. battery, alternator and starter all tested good. when i turn the ignition without the jump, i get no noise at all (no click). headlights dim slightly but battery is brand new (tested again after i started having this problem). i'm a newbie w/ very limited knowledge but i'm guessing the wiring and/or battery cable (all cleaned and tightened) is the next checkpoint? could it be ignition switch issues? any guidance would be much appreciated.

 

[Mike]

Testing the alternator only test's for output.
When the diodes crap out the battery discharges through the alternator - not part of the normal test.
See if you can find a shop to test them.

 

[Dean]

SO, if you have jumper cables connected to another battery, the ignition key starts it like normal?

 

[pdx66]

thanks mike, i'll look into it.

dean - yes, if i jump it through connecting to another battery, there are no issues. fires right up.

 

[Tegguy]

What voltage do you have on the battery? Can you pop the battery in another vehicle and see if it starts?

It sounds like it could be a bad solenoid in the starter. Can you hear a click at all when you turn the key to start? What if you hold the key in start for 5 to 10 seconds?

 

[pdx66]

Battery (new and retested) & starter/solenoid are all good. No clicks at all, nothing happens if held longer. I'm terrible w/ wiring so I don't know where to begin with that. I'm just curious if there are other aspects i should test outside of wiring or a more systematic way of approaching this issue.

 

[Tegguy]

If the starter and solinoid is good then it has to be a wiring problem of some sort. So far I would say you are approaching it in a systematic way. This is how I would approach it.

1) Test battery
2) Test starter
3) Verify voltage to the starter (both main line and solenoid line)
4) Verify the wires at the column (make sure the wire for start is sending out voltage)