It won't start. Sometimes. Please help. 1st Gen 92'
 

I have a 1992 3/4 2wd with 310k miles. 3 speed with OD.
Just recently, it would not start after driving just a few miles. But it would start if I moved the gear selector in neutral. But the next time it would not start even in neutral.
I thought it might be a (shift position sensor/relay) the 3 prong sensor that screws into the left rear of the transmission. So I replaced it. And it started fine. But after I drove for 20 minutes it would not start again.
It starts normally every time when it has been sitting for more than and hour.

I hope that this is a common problem with a simple solution, but after reading through all the 1st gen posts I still need an answer.

Please help,
Josh

hi
do you mean the starter does not run when you turn the key to start position ?

or does the engine turn over and not fire ?

The starter does not turn when I turn the key. It's like it has been disconnected from the circuit.

JOsh are you experiencing a total "dead key" ( no power to anything when key is in run or start position) or just to the starter?

Just the starter.

starter
 

Have you had the starter checked? It might be a bad relay or starter seleniod that is causing the non start issue. Does it start every time when it is cold?

It always starts when it is cold. In the morning I start it and let the truck reach operating temp. I usually let it warm up for 5-10 minutes. If I turn it off it will turn back on , but if I drive 5 minutes (from my college to my house, 2 miles) and then try to restart. It wont.

Then it takes anywhere from a few minutes and up to an hour to restart.

I let it run in the driveway for 30 minutes. And now it will not start. Does that help eliminate possible causes?

How do I check the starter solenoid and relay?

Is there a piece in the starting circuit that overheats and prevents it from starting?

I don't know if the seleniod is built into the starter or not on your truck but sometimes starters won't work when they get hot from years of use. When you try to start the truck after you let it run do you hear a tick noise? If the seleniod is working you should hear a tick that indicates that the seleniod is closing making contact to provide power to the starter. Some seleniods are external and some are internal to the starter. I have a 99 dodge and my selenoid is on the starter, but my old 85 CJ has the selenoid on the inner fender. Just trace the red cable back from the starter and if it goes through anything other than back to the battery then that would be the external seleniod. If it goes directly back to the battery I would have the starter tested to make sure it is good. Have them try the starter several times to cycle it and get it warm.

The starter is attached to the solenoid from 92' on. (What I read in the chiltons manual) I ordered a new one and my mechanic friend is going to help me replace it this week. It appears to be either the original or at least a very old starter. I will put that on this week and then repost if that does not take care of the problem.

Thank You.

hi
sounds like the solenoid contacts are bad .

you can buy just the contacts , search for the heavy duty ones on this board !
it is an easy d i y fix! app $ 25.00 !!

I purchased a new starter. It was $160. The solenoid was bad and the starter was tired.

The truck starts great now.

Thank you for the Help.

Josh