Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
2/12/2007 11:49:56 AM EDT
97 3.8 Fbody been sitting for the last 6 months.

Just replaced the fuel filter, pump is good, still won't start.

If I hold the key down, and give it gas, it'll rev up.

As soon as I let the key off, it dies and all my guages die to.

Ok so I know i'm looking at an electrical problem somehow related to the ignition switch.  Any further ideas?
2/12/2007 12:42:29 PM EDT
[#1]
btt
2/12/2007 2:06:39 PM EDT
[#2]
I would say you need a new ignition switch( the electrical part).
2/12/2007 2:34:07 PM EDT
[#3]
Ignition switch, ignition module maybe. 1997, has a comp in it. Could be the idle control not operating correctly or the manual servo for it is stuck all the way down. I.E. no idle setting at all.....

I'm just pissin in the wind here.
2/12/2007 2:59:24 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
97 3.8 Fbody been sitting for the last 6 months.

Just replaced the fuel filter, pump is good, still won't start.

If I hold the key down, and give it gas, it'll rev up.

As soon as I let the key off, it dies and all my guages die to.

Ok so I know i'm looking at an electrical problem somehow related to the ignition switch.  Any further ideas?


mass air flow sensor. moving the throttle gives accelerator pump like fuel. but you're gettting no steady state fuel.

edited to say: I reread your post.... maybe it's electrical after all.
2/12/2007 3:10:00 PM EDT
[#5]
Just a thought but check your fuses.
2/12/2007 3:29:14 PM EDT
[#6]
Did you put fuel stabilizer in it 6 months ago?
2/12/2007 3:36:13 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
Did you put fuel stabilizer in it 6 months ago?
No, I didn't know it'd be sitting and neglected it.  I know, I screwed up.  

I guess I'm gonna try replacing the ignition switch next.  Seems the most logical since I can turn the key to the on posistion and get nothing.  

And someone mentioned no steady idle state.  Your right, when I quit revving it, it dies.
2/12/2007 4:55:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Sometimes you can check the ignition switch like this..Get it running and wiggle the ignition cylinder -slightly- back and forth. If you lose gauges, radio, or if the motor shuts off then you know the switch is bad. You may get intermittent gauges/radio during this test. You can also try this test by putting the key in the RUN position.

You mentioned that once you let go of the key -after starting the motor- the car stalls. When this happens are you losing all your gauges, I mean are they completely flat-lining or just dropping into the RUN position? There is a difference. The former would indicate a bad ignition switch, and the latter, an idle control problem. If you could keep the motor running indefinitely by holding down the accelerator pedal, then you have an idle control problem.

2/12/2007 5:05:11 PM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
Sometimes you can check the ignition switch like this..Get it running and wiggle the ignition cylinder -slightly- back and forth. If you lose gauges, radio, or if the motor shuts off then you know the switch is bad. You may get intermittent gauges/radio during this test. You can also try this test by putting the key in the RUN position.

You mentioned that once you let go of the key -after starting the motor- the car stalls. When this happens are you losing all your gauges, I mean are they completely flat-lining or just dropping into the RUN position? There is a difference. The former would indicate a bad ignition switch, and the latter, an idle control problem. If you could keep the motor running indefinitely by holding down the accelerator pedal, then you have an idle control problem.

if I'm not giving it gas AND holding the key to start it dies.  It'll die after 15-20 seconds anyway.
2/12/2007 5:46:41 PM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:

if I'm not giving it gas AND holding the key to start it dies.  It'll die after 15-20 seconds anyway.


Gotcha, sounds like an ignition switch electrical. Try the wiggle test.
2/12/2007 6:04:28 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:  Try the wiggle test.


I looked through my service manual for my Camaro..I can't find the "wiggle test" anywhere!
2/12/2007 8:08:33 PM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:

Quoted:  Try the wiggle test.


I looked through my service manual for my Camaro..I can't find the "wiggle test" anywhere!




Hahaha, Ancient Chinese Secret!