No start, no click, no nothing

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

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Here's the troubleshooting chart right out of the light duty truck service manual for '87. I found '86 first, and it was the exact same thing. I'm puzzled on what the "neutral sense switch" does on a column with mechanical lockout, which I did confirm that some got that and some didn't, as previously postulated, but here's something. Someone mentioned earlier that it was time to get friendly with the multimeter. I want to reiterate that thought. I'm curious. When you turn the key to the RUN position, what happens? No, orange SES light or red BELTS light if the chime/buzzer module is still down there and working (most of those modules are long dead or thrown in the trash)? No fuel pump cycle? You had this exact problem, replaced the ignition switch, and still had the same exact problem? If replacing the switch had caused it, I'd suggest looking back at the actuator rod, but it doesn't sound like that's what happened. Jerry's gonna know more about this ignition stuff than me, but I hope this gives you some homework, and you find the issue. I would really pay close attention to that bulkhead connector. That's where I'd start.

 

[HotRodPC]

That's a pretty nice Troubleshooting Flow Chart. Thanks for the input Jesse.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

That's a pretty nice Troubleshooting Flow Chart. Thanks for the input Jesse.

Thanks and no problem!

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Thanks and no problem!

Way to go Jesse

 

[Gray87GMC]

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Here's the troubleshooting chart right out of the light duty truck service manual for '87. I found '86 first, and it was the exact same thing. I'm puzzled on what the "neutral sense switch" does on a column with mechanical lockout, which I did confirm that some got that and some didn't, as previously postulated, but here's something. Someone mentioned earlier that it was time to get friendly with the multimeter. I want to reiterate that thought. I'm curious. When you turn the key to the RUN position, what happens? No, orange SES light or red BELTS light if the chime/buzzer module is still down there and working (most of those modules are long dead or thrown in the trash)? No fuel pump cycle? You had this exact problem, replaced the ignition switch, and still had the same exact problem? If replacing the switch had caused it, I'd suggest looking back at the actuator rod, but it doesn't sound like that's what happened. Jerry's gonna know more about this ignition stuff than me, but I hope this gives you some homework, and you find the issue. I would really pay close attention to that bulkhead connector. That's where I'd start.

When I put the key in the ignition, the alert chimes. However, when I turn the key nothing happens. Perviously the dash lights would come on and I would be able to turn on the wipers when the key was in the “on” position but engine not started. Now nothing. The horn still works, headlights and dome lights still work. I really hoped the ignition switch would do it but no go.

Thank you for the flow chart, at least I know what to try now!

 

[Gray87GMC]

Looks like I need to check the bulkhead connector, fusible link, and engine control switch. As soon as I figure out what those are I’ll give it a shot!

 

[MrMarty51]

There will be two fusible links. I dont remember now what their locations are.
probably one down by the starter and another off the alternator, be sure that they are not burned out.
With this year/model of truck, there may be more than two, like with the 88 year trucks, if so, check all of those too.

 

[foamypirate]

Based on the wire colors in the chart (purple for auto, yellow for manual), it sounds like the "engine control switch" is just an obscure name for the ignition switch.

Also sounds like it's at least worth checking if your truck does have the starter wiring going through the NSS, just in case. I'd hate to have it be that simple and overlook it. Sometimes GMs rhyme and reason for things can be weird, so even though my 87' and 88' squares didn't run through it, it's worth looking at.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Based on the wire colors in the chart (purple for auto, yellow for manual), it sounds like the "engine control switch" is just an obscure name for the ignition switch.

Also sounds like it's at least worth checking if your truck does have the starter wiring going through the NSS, just in case. I'd hate to have it be that simple and overlook it. Sometimes GMs rhyme and reason for things can be weird, so even though my 87' and 88' squares didn't run through it, it's worth looking at.

So maybe I wasn’t totally 100% wrong??? That would be kinda cool I guess see but if I was I can handle it the cuts will just be a little deeper lol jk

 

[foamypirate]

Here is a wiring diagram I colorized for the starting/power distribution circuit. Technically for an 88' R/V truck, but 87' should be the same. It only shows a NSS for the manual trans trucks. Gotta love GM's inconsistency. Troubleshooting diagram mentions one, wiring diagram doesn't, we seem to have an 87' with, and another 87' and 88' without. WTF GM?

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[Gray87GMC]

Here is a wiring diagram I colorized for the starting/power distribution circuit. Technically for an 88' R/V truck, but 87' should be the same. It only shows a NSS for the manual trans trucks. Gotta love GM's inconsistency. Troubleshooting diagram mentions one, wiring diagram doesn't, we seem to have an 87' with, and another 87' and 88' without. WTF GM?

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Thank you! Looks like two fusible links between the fuse and the junction block. Should be easy enough to hit those with a test light tonight!

 

[smoothandlow84]

The switch

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[Gray87GMC]

Alright guys... I’ve had a development I could really use some input on.

All of gene problems started with our first cold snap. Today we went from 20 to 65 degrees... and the truck started right up with no problem. Dash lights work... turn signals work... everything works!

It’s going to get cold again soon, what in he world could do this?!?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Alright guys... I’ve had a development I could really use some input on.

All of gene problems started with our first cold snap. Today we went from 20 to 65 degrees... and the truck started right up with no problem. Dash lights work... turn signals work... everything works!

It’s going to get cold again soon, what in he world could do this?!?

Bad connection some where. Move somewhere warmer lol

 

[Gray87GMC]

Bad connection some where. Move somewhere warmer lol

Thanks super sarcastic man lol