Pace arrow starting issues

[4Knights]

Ok folks, need some ideas, answers, help, my 94 PA gasser 454 has a weird issue
The only way it will start is if I grab this small rod on the left side of the steering column and pull it straight up while turning the key. No picture yet but will get one in the morning
This just recently began, no problems before, now the chassis battery seems to die frequently ,slow discharge and even when I fully charge it I still have to lift up on that rod.

Any ideas?
Thanks
Ron

[awarnes]

We had an issue with the chassis battery dying and found that the alternator belt was bad and slipping. Found out when it came off and wrapped around the fan. Changed it out and solved the problem. We thought it was the battery and now we have no issues. I hope this helped.

Arnold

[Conquest102]

The rod sounds like a safety interlock with the transmission. It may not be connected on the trans or on the column correctly.
I would suggest for the battery voltage it with the engine running to make sure you are getting a charge. It would be the easy test as climbing into the engine compartment is a PAIN.

[4Knights]

The charging issue I also believe to be alternator so am taking it off to have tested. The rod thing is fairly new so I wonder if it has something to do with battery voltage.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Knights The charging issue I also believe to be alternator so am taking it off to have tested. The rod thing is fairly new so I wonder if it has something to do with battery voltage.

Take the battery also and have it load tested.
J

[4Knights]

The battery tested fine, the alternator failed but I can't say I've ever seen one pass! Might be a way to get you to. Buy a new one Either way won't be in until Tuesday

Still don't have any idea what to do about the rod on the steering column, there is an electronic switch on the bottom of the column that seems like it might be connected, any idea what it is or how to test if it's working as designed?
Ron

[Dave78Chief]

Your description sounds like you have a standard GM steering column that was used in many GM applications during the 80's and 90's. There are actually 2 rods. In the drawing below, the ignition switch (Item 64; a slide switch attached to the side of the column) is operated by Item 63. There is a cam mechanism just under the turn signal switch that operates the rod. The second rod (Item 69) operates the dimmer switch (Item 66).



I recently had to replace one of these type of ignition switches in my 92 Chevy Lumina. The plastic sliding block inside the ignition switch housing broke in half such that the vehicle would not start. Replacing this is not a lot of fun because you have to dissasemble the steering column. You can find videos online just google GM tilt steering repair. Even though those videos are intended to fix a sloppy GM steering column, they provide you with 95% of the procedure you have to do just to get to the ignition switch.

Dave

The ignition switch looks like this:

[4Knights]

Is there a way to diagnose it before I have to go tearing the whole thing apart?

[Dave78Chief]

If it starts when you mechanically move the mechanism then I would think you already determined the area where the problem is. The only other thing you might do is if you have a copy of the chassis service manual is confirm that it is simular to the drawing I posted.

Dave

[GOLDWINGER2]

Put it back together and adjust the switch. It slides back and forth.
J

[4Knights]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLDWINGER2 Put it back together and adjust the switch. It slides back and forth. J

????? I haven't taken anything apart yet, if you could let me know what to slide back and forth or how to adjust that we be most appreciated.
Ron

[GOLDWINGER2]

How did the rod come out? If it's the rod that moves the switch in DAVE78's post someone removed it.
J

[4Knights]

The rod is still attached and not removed, in order to start the MH I have to lift up on the rod with two fingers while turning the key.
I only found this out when it wouldn't start and began removing the plastic surrounding the column to see what I could see.
Stroke of luck I noticed the rod and a few wires. While moving the wires I noticed the rod would move when I turned the key so I guessed maybe it wasn't going up enough and slid it up. What do you know it started.
Now I have to lift that rod every time or it won't start.

Is there an adjustment on this? Or is the electric switch on base of column near your feet somehow related? I notice the switch has a spring and actuates when you turn the key also.

Ron

[GOLDWINGER2]

The switch is still good, the switch moved somehow. It's held by four small screws, 1/4" I think. Loosen them if they are tight and move the switch while holding the key in the start position. When the starter kicks, you have it or are very close. Once you have it set, tighten the four screws.
J