Ok, 2 weeks ago I posted about my car dieing randomly and eventually not being able to start (no gauge lights, fuel pump, etc when key turned on). If interested in the write up its here: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452795

Anyways, the solution was a new ignition SWITCH (not module as title states) and a connector. The ignition module was melted in one area along with that blue connector. I actually took the car to the dealership becuase im too busy/don't have the needed tools where I am. Im glad I did this cause they had to rewire it anyways. So, they installed the new module and hardwired in that blue connector clip.

All was well, car started great........buut, only for 12 times. On the 12th attempt to start sitting in a Subway parking lot, I turned the key; all gauge lights came on, FP fired up etc but when I went to fully engage the key, nothing!! Tried it again and again and eventually I could smell this horrible burning smell!! I assumed it was the NEW ignition module failing so I had it towed back to the dealership. Upon diagnosis, they discovered it was the starter that shorted out and made that burning smell.

Soo, put a brand new AC delco starter in and the car started/ran perfectly for 1.5 weeks until last night. Yesterday I had 1 instance where when I went to start the car, nothing happened (key in start mode, the starter didnt fire). However, upon immediately retrying it engaged and started. This happened twice. Then, when I went to leave the house last night the same thing happened. All gauges, fuel pump, fans etc fired up when key was on, but in the start postion the starter wouldnt engage. Frustrated at this point, I retried the process several times until eventually I physically heard the starter short out and I could smell that aweful burning again!!! soo great, another starter down the tubes. So, immediately after making sure the ****ing car didnt burn down, I turned the key on again just to see what happened. When I did this, I lost all gauge lights, fuel pump etc etc (which was the symptoms of the ignition module being dead).

So boys, heres my mystery!!......... Is it possible that the new ignition module cuased the stock starter to short out along with the new one??? Is it possible that this new ignition module died???

What the crap is happening with my car????!!???? In all my years of owning it ive never had this much hassle with it over a 3 week period!

Shoebox or other experts, if you can solve this I'll wash and wax your car!!

PLEASE HELP!!

 

I think you mean ignition switch, don't you? An ignition module is by the coil. Maybe they misadjusted the switch somehow on install. It is a strange problem.

 

Yes, I meant ignition switch (under the dash). Well, its going back in tomorrow. I will update

 

Thats strange. When the car won't start, how long do you keep trying for? Maybe its overheating.

 

umm, I just tried it once or twice. But, maybe the starter is sticking somehow and, like you said, is overheating???

But, it looks like the ignition SWITCH!!! went again. If that be the case, maybe a new one will be the solution to the problem.

So really, besides being overheated, what would cuase a starter to short out and burn up/melt/stink??

 

You need to be clear on what you are talking about. The ignition module under the hood? or the ignition switch under the dash.

 

Sounds like you're burning up starters for some odd reason. Question is: is it the solenoid or the windings in the starter motor? The only way these things burn up is due to low voltage and/or heat. Check the voltage at the S teminal on the solenoid with the key on and off....yeah it can be difficult; might be a 2 person job.... and at the main battery(red) lead where it connects to the starter. Might sure the starter and engine have a decent grounding system too.
Doug

 

I mentioned 2 replies before yours that I corrected my mistake. It is infact the ignition switch under the dash.

 

But the next post after you called it the ignition switch, you started calling it the ignition module again. The whole thing confused me enough that I didn't bother even responding to the post. People are just trying to be clear on what you are talking about.

 

If the smoke is coming from under the car and it is the starter catching fire, then it could be a short in the wires. Maybe they are very close to touching or there might be some foreign material on the terminals of the starter.

Take a look at the starter around the solenoid.

 

LOL, **** its hard to respond to posts at work!! dont have enough time to read carefully.....my appologies! Anyways, all is well boys. Apparently it was a fuseable link that melted just before the starter or something. They replaced it and the starter works, gauge lights come on etc etc........

 

Ok so the dealer replaced this fusible link or whatever thats before the starter. Well ****, the damn thing went again tonight. Did a half a start and thats it. When I turn the key on, I get gauge lights fuel pump etc etc....but when I go to start it, nothing.

what the **** is wrong with my ****ing car??

 

You need to see if you are getting 12v on the purple wire to the starter when you turn the key to START.

 

Ok, and if im getting power where do I look next. If im not, where do I look??

 

Ok, so your car is popping fusible links and not starters....so strike what I posted earlier about the low voltage. If I remember correctly the fusible links connect to the fat red lead on the starter or the red junction box on the pass. inner fender. Your ride is popping the one for the starter circuit and you've already replaced the ignition switch. Now it sounds like there is an intermitent short in the starter circuit wiring. Where it is, is anyones guess. I'd start looking around those LTs, since a wire with burnt off insulation could be grounding against the headers and popping the link. I'd have to break out the service manual and see what else is on that particular fusible link.
Doug