[gaddington]

After leaving Walmart tonight, I attempted to start my 1995 GMC 6.5l turbo diesel. I turned the key and nothing. After further inspection, everything worked (radio, lights, blower (heater), interior lights, brake lights, etc.) - everything worked except dash (warning lights, glow plug light, etc.). What could be the issue?

Background - I have been having starter trouble for a while. Could this connection have dead shorted out somewhere and blown a fuse somewhere (I could not find it)? What is the deal? HELP!!

 

[racinmike77]

If you having starter issues, maybe its a bad starter???

 

[gaddington]

It may all be tied together, YES, the truck will not start obviously, but the dash lights (warning lights, ignition systems, etc.) is nonexistent. Nothing in the dash comes on. I was wondering if it was dead shorted out somewhere causing a fuse to blow causing the dash and ignition process to fail. ??????

 

[gmctd]

Ignition switch.................

 

[billybobjethro]

I second that

My ignition switch went out and did the same exact thing.

 

[rock_shoes]

If none of your accesory lights come on ignition would be my first guess. Check the GP controller while your at it. I went through a few of them at one time because of a feedback problem. Ended up being a bad cab ground after all was said and done.

 

[irelandd]

If you haven't allready, check the spacer and connection on the passenger side possitive battery. This seems to get corroded quickly and cause intermittent starting issues. You have to pull the spacer out and the bolt to get it good and clean.

 

[gaddington]

GMCTD, everyone,

Can it still be the ignition switch if everything else works (radio, blower,etc.) when the key is turned on. The only thing that doesnt work is the warning lights, glow plug ignition, etc. What do you think!!! Thanks!!

 

[gmctd]

here

Ignition switch.................

 

[gaddington]

Which section??

 

[gmctd]

The IGN sw is a result of GM's afiliation with Isuzu and Toyota - it is constructed similar to an industrial contactor, with shorting bars across the contacts of each of several circuits.

The original good ole American ingenuity Ign switches used sliding bars which burnished the contacts at each use, on and off - that design works fine, lasts a long time.

Much to the chagrin of the bean counters.

In the contactor-style switch, the shorting-bar drops onto the contacts at on, is raised off the contacts at off - no burnishing, so the contacts and bars carbon up, creating heat which weakens the springs which reduces the contact tension which creates more heat which further reduces spring tension which creates more carbon which...........but, you get my drift, right?

Any of the several circuits can be non-functional without effecting the ultimate goal of the other circuits - to establish contact with an end-user.

Replace your Ign switch.

 

[j.peter.b]

I concur.

Had the exact same problem. Definitely the ignition switch.

My failure was proceeded by some weird electrical gremlins.

Ignition switch fixed it all.

J.Peter.B