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1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems!


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Paqk
Novice

May 3, 2013, 2:39 PM

Post #1 of 10 (4908 views)
1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

I have a 1998 Jimmy that I've been working on to get it running so I can make some money on it.

Ok. So I have a push-button rigged up and wired directly to get the Jimmy to fire up and run. I have to turn the ignition on and push the button to get it running.

I want to fix the ignition. Now when I put the key in and turn it, it makes a winding noise. But when I try to crank it over, it acts as if I have a dead battery. No click, nothing.

Any ideas are appreciated. I'm not any good with ignitions, or anything in the steering column. Lol.

Thanks in advance!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 4, 2013, 2:00 AM

Post #2 of 10 (4854 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

The electrical ignition switch isn't at the key it's down lower. You are lacking power to trigger wire to starter solenoid. That must sense the vehicle is in either Park or Neutral also so there's a "neutral safety switch" that could be the issue. If you go hacking up tricks you'll just make it harder to fix properly.

Ign switch is apparently providing power to run just not to trigger starter by description. Find where it loses that power from the switch or the switch with a test light,

T



Paqk
Novice

May 7, 2013, 8:38 AM

Post #3 of 10 (4815 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

Thanks man. I have a floor shifter as well. Do you know exactly where these switches are, or if they're easy/hard to get to?

Any specific details will be greatly appreciated.

I also will note that I have to wiggle the floor shifter to get the key to turn all the way back. Otherwise it won't at all.

Thanks guys.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 7, 2013, 12:10 PM

Post #4 of 10 (4805 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

Well that shows the problem fairly well. Having to wiggle a floor shift then it works to me also means it doesn't know if it's in N or P to start. In a safe place with nothing around try with OE wires (hope those are still intact) to see if starter will engage playing with shifter as well. Move towards R or towards drive and bet it starts by key.

No parts yet. Gotta get a eyeball look at why it's like that mechanism near certainly at the shifter itself not in the column yet or ign switch yet. It doesn't know where you are IMO so look for why,

T



Paqk
Novice

May 7, 2013, 12:32 PM

Post #5 of 10 (4798 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

I tried wiggling it through the gears trying to start it and it still wouldn't. I do have a push button rigged up that I can start the jimmy with, but the ignition isn't working.

I don't know much along the lines of electrical. Pretty much nothing. Lol.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 7, 2013, 2:10 PM

Post #6 of 10 (4785 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

Chances are it senses the position electrically, allowing key motion and enabling trigger wire to starter based on that thru solenoids/actuators. Once cables and rods on some stuff out there much older than this. I have to believe the problem is at the shifter for now,

T



Paqk
Novice

May 7, 2013, 3:37 PM

Post #7 of 10 (4780 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

So would you say my best bet is the neutral safety switch, or some kind of wiring? Where's a good place for a noob like me to start?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 7, 2013, 3:44 PM

Post #8 of 10 (4775 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

Look at it! Something may just be loose or broken and can't know till looking right at it. I plain don't have a clue what a floor shift looks like at all in this vehicle. Is it in a console or just one small spot for this shifter?

T



Paqk
Novice

May 7, 2013, 4:31 PM

Post #9 of 10 (4771 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

It's in a console.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 7, 2013, 4:40 PM

Post #10 of 10 (4764 views)
Re: 1998 GMC Jimmy ignition problems! Sign In

OK - so more has to be taken away to get a look. Doubt it but electrical could be from underside of vehicle. No software to help you from me with procedures but should be usual screws, clips and perhaps those zip buttons to get in there. It's just too likely that when you said wiggling it made a difference so suspect that is where the problem is,

T







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