All of a sudden, no start?

[intro]

So today I was out doing errands and got stranded. Turn the key and nothing. Had to call for a tow unfortunately.

No signs of anything going wrong with the usual suspects prior to the no start situation.

1. Starter has been running strong without fail.
2. Ignition switch has not needed any sort of key wiggle to get things turning over. Feels tight and without play in the cylinder.
3. It's not a battery issue as I have power to everything still and there is no clicking or bugged out electronics. Before calling the truck I tried cleaning all the terminals and connections on the battery but it did nothing.

The only thing I've come across (unless it is the ignition switch that went bad just like that) in reading the archives is something about a starter lock out switch and the alarm module. I've never fiddled with these but I'm thinking it might be the next logical place to look because one thing I had noticed in recent weeks was the keyless alarm has not been arming the alarm or locking the doors. Didn't know if there was a possible connection there.

Another thing I came across had to do with some sort of wire at the clutch pedal. Have no experience with that either.

Any thoughts guys?

Thanks!

[metalgear_mk3]

because one thing I had noticed in recent weeks was the keyless alarm has not been arming the alarm or locking the doors. Didn't know if there was a possible connection there.

if you your keyless module isnt working, its possible thats whats preventing the car from starting, remove it and install a jumper wire in the harness plug.


http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed...alarmhelp2.htm

[Jersey Dutchman]

starter lockout switch is able to be jumped with a paper clip it is right up on the top of the clutch pedal if you poke your head under the dash and look you will see it, it has a vacuum hose for the cruise control right under it, i would also check the relay for it too. If thats not the problem i would try and jump the starter solenoid by using a wire to jump the one pin connector on the starter directly to the battery power cables right next to it. Id be willing to bet one of those is the problem.

[intro]

Thanks guys. I will try these things today.

I should mention the keyless system works but only for disarming and unlocking the doors. Sometimes it seems like 5 minutes after I press the alarm/lock button, after manually doing it from the door, I'll hear the beep. It's all random.

[intro]

I guess I'm out of luck?

Wire from + on battery to spade on starter sparks but doesn't engage.

Definitely the starter right? Last time I did this was 6/7 years ago.

This rules out everything else right?

[intro]

no clicking from the starter either.

[mjkapctool]

remove the clamshell (trim around ignition housing) and ice down the ignition housing. once cooled down, try to start it. this could indicat the ignition switch or ignition lock cylinder. for me, It was the igniton lock cylinder. On the hottest days, I would turn the key and get nothing. Ice down the housing and it would work fine.

[intro]

I bypassed the ignition switch. I suppose both the starter and the ignition switch could be shot at the same time but I doubt it.

[intro]

Not sure what to think at this point so I'd be open to any and all suggestions.

Swapped in a new starter this morning and the situation is unchanged.

In my past experiences with dead starters, the live wire to the spade terminal always told me how to proceed.
What do I do now?

Yesterday, I had already tried unplugging the alarm module behind the light switch and bridging the advised circuit. Didn't do a thing.

After removing the old starter today I made sure to sand down the grounds well before attaching them to the new starter.

Is the ignition switch next? I can't imagine that being the problem after the failed live wire to the starter. I don't want to throw parts. It must be a wiring issue right?

[intro]

Ok, I think I may have realized what my problem is. Can anyone verify this?

I left the alarm module unplugged. Both harnesses. This is the midpoint between the ignition switch and the starter correct? That may be it. I hadn't left the cicruit bridged either. I didn't get a chance to test with a live wire from the battery today, I had only checked with the key.

[intro]

Maaaan. Ok, so I reconnect the alarm module, turn the key, nothing.

Go back into the engine bay with the live wire to the battery and she starts right up.

Is it possible for a starter and an ignition switch to go AT THE SAME TIME?

What are the odds?

[intro]

This forum's gone to ****.

[polofreaks]

dunno

[intro]

It was the starter. Connection was loose on the plug.