97 6.5l SUBURBAN STARTING PROBLEMS

[pitsingerk]

I'm having issues with my Subruban starting. I'm leaning towards the ignition switch in the steering column but want a second or third opinion. This past Friday I got in the burb to head out, hit the key and nothing, not a click or anything. I was in a hurry so I jumped in my other truck and left. Saturday morning, I thought I would try it again and it started right up. The starter cranks fast like it should, batteries are new, grounds have been cleaned recently. Went to head out yesterday morning and it wouldn't start again and is now sitting dead in the driveway. Any ideas guys?

 

[JMJNet]

Did you check your LP?

 

[pitsingerk]

Lift pump is running, not getting any juice to the starter.

 

[ak diesel driver]

does it click or anything else? dash lights?

 

[pitsingerk]

No clicks or anything from the starter, all dash lights come on, glow plugs come on, just will not turn over.

 

[JMJNet]

Have you load test the battery one at a time? With 2 batteries, 1 good battery can light up the dash but not enough to crank the starter.

 

[pitsingerk]

As I said earlier, both batteries are new, grounds have been checked / cleaned, did the bolt mod for the battery terminals. All that is good. Did some more digging at lunch, going to inspect the starter relay when I get home. Other idea is maybe the neutral safety switch.

 

[jrsavoie]

How many miles on the Suburban? I think my 98 is the only vehicle I have with the original ignition switch.
If you have 150,000 or more miles and are not short on cash, I'd go ahead and change the igbition switch and if you still have a problem start agaibn on the diagnostics.
I did that on the Tahoe and the 96 Suburban. Both times it cured the problems I was having & saved me some diagnostic time.

 

[pitsingerk]

I came home, tried switching the starter relay for the ac relay. Still didn't start. Decided I needed to get it into the garage where it was cooler, 90deg here today. I reached under the truck to jump the starter and found a loose wire. Tightened the wire and the truck started right up. I'm pissed I didn't find this sooner, but I'm glad that I didn't have to spend any money on it today. I think I will still order a new ignition switch to change once the truck gets put up for the winter. Thanks for the help

 

[jrsavoie]

If you order an ignition switch go with an OEM from the dealer.

Unless of course somebody chimes in that knows of an aftermarket that is higher qualoity. If So I would like to know.

I have 2 more vehicles I'm going to have to do sooner or later.