Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 5:59 PM
You are in the Chevrolet S-10 & GMC S15 Sonoma
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Chevrolet S-10, GMC S-15, GMC Sonoma, Engine, Truck
#292 of 316 1994 GMC SONOMA- starting problems.
Mar 27, 2012 (3:21 pm)
Hey guys, I'm a girl so forgive me if I sound dumb. I own a 1994 GMC Sonoma. It's the V6 4.3L TBI Automatic. I am having problems getting it started. Occasionally it starts just fine, but other times it will crank over, but will not fire. The fuel pump primes every time, no exceptions. I have brand new air filter, fuel filter, new plugs, new wires, new ignition switch, new oil, new oil pressure switch, new oil sending unit, and some other new things. I don't know what else could be wrong with it. Someone told me it's got to be in the ignition itself, such as something along the lines of the coils.
I'm also having a bit of electrical problems. The switch for my turn signals/lights will not move back and forth to turn my brights on and off, and the the light for the brights, as well as both of the arrows stay lit up on the dash while I have my lights on at night. Someone help me, I love my truck, she's a good girl.... but I need to fix her before she goes bad totally. HELP!
#293 of 316 Re: 1994 GMC SONOMA- starting problems. [bnbilen]
Mar 27, 2012 (4:57 pm)
Try a squirt of starter fluid NOT MUCH and see if it starts if so may be an injector problem. As for the dimmer turn signal switch it needs replacing not an easy job you'll have to pull the steering wheel switch is about $50.
#294 of 316 Re: 1994 GMC SONOMA- starting problems. [bnbilen]
Mar 27, 2012 (7:25 pm)
I agree with Mr Green's suggestion with the starter fluid. Looks like you've put a lot of time and money into it. I guess you inspected the cap and rotor. The carbon electrode in the cap sometimes wear out or come loose and fall out. The turn signal/ dimmer switch on the earlier s10 have always been a sore spot.
#295 of 316 starting problems
May 07, 2012 (7:06 pm)
Hey everyone I have an 88's10 with 4.3 it had a blown head gasket. I got the heads machined put new gaskets & seals all around. I also replaced throttlebody do to bad injecters and replaced old cracked intake manifold. New plugs & wires and new battery. Everything is put back together now but the truck just won't turn over. Any suggestions?
#296 of 316 88' S10 4.3 4x4 won't start
May 07, 2012 (7:16 pm)
Hey everyone I have an 88's10 with 4.3 it had a blown head gasket. I got the heads machined put new gaskets & seals all around. I also replaced throttlebody do to bad injecters and replaced old cracked intake manifold. New plugs & wires and new battery. Everything is put back together now but the truck just won't turn over. Any suggestions? Forgot to add it still needs to be timed but can't do that till I get it going.
#297 of 316 Re: 88' S10 4.3 4x4 won't start [reaper261]
May 08, 2012 (12:34 am)
When you say it won't turn over do you mean it is locked up or it won't start?
#298 of 316 98 S10 starting problems SOLVED!!!!!
Jun 09, 2012 (8:32 am)
Ok, after reading thru all these post, None helped solve my starting problems. BUT I did find out why my 98 S10 wouldnt start... Apparently when you drive a 5 speed, and have big feet, sometimes you can "grab" wires with the top of your foot, effectively pushing and pulling wires that are near your clutch and brake pedals... After removing the under dash panel, i adjusted some wires, got back into the seat and it started right up first try...
So I hope that this might help someone who is having problems with their Manual tranny starting.
My symptoms were:
Key in ignition (Beeps and Fuel pump engaging)
Press Clutch then turn ignition
Dash/Radio/Lights all went dead (ALL power lost)
Release Clutch and Ignition, ALL power came back to previous items.
Push sit back as far as it will go (Im a big guy)
Remove under dash panel (2 short screws for Modular hookup, and 2 long screws holding the panel in place)
Lay inside the best you can, need both hands free.
Look around and look for wires that are hanging or near the clutch/brake pedals.
If any wires, secure them away from pedals with electrical tape/zip ties/etc.... (Up is always the best policy here)
Once you have done that, try to start your S10! It should start if you got all the proper wires moved and secured.
After you have it fixed, simply put everything back the way you pulled it apart!
7mm socket w/ ratchet (7mm Nutdriver will do also)
Electrical Tape/Zip ties/etc...
And 30 minutes of your time.
I really hope this helps someone out! I missed a day of work because this stupid S10
#299 of 316 02 sonoma gmc ignition problems
Dec 30, 2012 (11:55 am)
hey guys my truck is giving me fits ! its a 4.
3 litre 5 speed. ive had ignition module ckecked out and it is fine . then yesterday i changed the ignition switch which didnt help at all . i put the key in and step on the clutch turn to start and fuel pump picks up and all lights come on but it wont do anything else . the starter relay kicks in also. i used to be able to switch it on and off rel fast over and over and it would finally start. now it wont at all . any help would be GREATLY appreciatted ! thank you
#300 of 316 Re: 02 sonoma gmc ignition problems [chrislynd]
Dec 30, 2012 (12:48 pm)
Sounds like a bad starter. Either have it tested by removing or if you take every caution and know where not put your hands, like within the fan shroud, you can have somebody try to start the truck, hold the key in the start position an TAP on the starter with a 1 or 2 pound hammer, gently, just to vibrate the starter... PLEASE MAKE SURE THE TRUCK IN IN NEUTRAL, and BLOCKED AND SECURED so it does not roll over you... IT sounds like you have had the problem for quite some time.... If you are NOT mechanical, then take the starter off and have it tested at a local shop or parts store... By symptoms, you have a BAD starter... Good luck!!!
#301 of 316 Re: 02 sonoma gmc ignition problems [rock88]
Dec 30, 2012 (1:36 pm)
thank you rock88 i will try that now and let u know how it goes. i was hoping thats what it was ... im tired of chasing electrical problems !!