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1989 s15 dead ignition "Solved"
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bojo38
Novice
Mar 22, 2008, 12:58 PM
Post #1 of 10
(2024 views)
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1989 s15 dead ignition "Solved"
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I have a 1989 GMC s15 4.3 engine auto transmission and ever so often it will not start. It will act just like there is no juice to the the ignition switch but the horn works and the headlights work but nothing else inside the pickup. If I disconect the battery terminal and clean it put it back on and then in about 5 minutes it will start working. Is there something going wrong in the computer system that it has to be reset and why.
Bill
Thanks Guys problem has been fixed so thanks a bunch. It was the battery cable or at least hope it was. Found a loose fitting and cable was corroded on the inside. 
(This post was edited by bojo38 on Mar 24, 2008, 7:36 PM)
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dave284
Enthusiast
Mar 22, 2008, 2:45 PM
Post #2 of 10
(2008 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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First thing I would do is to have the battery checked.....even if there is signs of voltage don't always mean its good, a bad cell/cells in it could cause you to go on a wild goose chase.... to be sure, it has to been done at a shop/parts place or if you have a good tester w/load...thats just a good basic place to start
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bojo38
Novice
Mar 22, 2008, 2:49 PM
Post #3 of 10
(2005 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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I have checked this and the battery is good.
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dave284
Enthusiast
Mar 22, 2008, 3:08 PM
Post #4 of 10
(2004 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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Its hard to tell where the problem lies.....the next step is the clue you gave by mentioning the switch....the ignition module switch...you can find it mounted on the steering column....some are on the top of it others on the sides...sometimes you can tell they are bad cause of the color from getting hot.
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bojo38
Novice
Mar 22, 2008, 4:59 PM
Post #5 of 10
(2002 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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I have changed the ignition switch not very long ago and the old was fine so the problem lies some where else and that is why I thought maybe the computer had to be reset or something. I do computer repair and whenever a computer quits or give you problems you shut it off and restart it. This has pickup has given me problems several times and this last time I let it set for several days and it was still dead but when I disconnected the battery cable and put it back on it started after about 5 minutes This is why I was thinking it might be something going on in the computer system that after it cooled off or discharged it would work. Hey just want to say thanks for your help even if we cannot figure it out. I know it is hard to diagnose something without you seeing your instrument readings.
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dave284
Enthusiast
Mar 23, 2008, 9:27 AM
Post #6 of 10
(1995 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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Don't give up on it......there are some pretty smart guys here, Tom,Jim,w20 and the others and if I can't help I'm positive one of the others will see this post and reply.....O.K. guys its your turn.....hang in there.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 23, 2008, 5:36 PM
Post #7 of 10
(1990 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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?? How do you know the battery is good? Will it respond to a good jump? If cleaning up a connection at the battery makes it work again I would finish up and clean up all battery cable connections - starter and engine block too just to rule that out for now. Hard to say what else so far??
T
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 23, 2008, 5:41 PM
Post #8 of 10
(1989 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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Anything "aftermarket" wired in/installed on this vehicle?
Alarm?
Kill switches?
Battery drain protectors?
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bojo38
Novice
Mar 23, 2008, 6:34 PM
Post #9 of 10
(1987 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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no after market junk has been wired in
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bojo38
Novice
Mar 23, 2008, 6:45 PM
Post #10 of 10
(1986 views)
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Re: 1989 s15 dead ignition
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I am going to replace the battery cables tomorrow and see if that helps. A good jump does not help and the reason why I said cleaned the battery connection is that I always clean the battery connection after disconnecting it whether it needs it or not. The battery was tested at a shop and with the battery under load and tested good.
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