Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 valve no start fix

[BHiett]

I wanted to say thanks to the folks here in this forum for helping me to fix the no start problem with my 98 12 valve. The problem appeared intermittantly for a few days. The engine would shut down within moments of when I applied the emergency brake when parking or would quit when tilting the steering column. Sometimes it would start if I cycled the key back to off and then to start. Finally, it just quit altogether and the instrument cluster would not go through the bulb check sequence and turning the key to start did nothing else.



After readiing several posts from a few members that had a problem similar to mine, I thought I may have the same problem with the big red wire connecting to the ignition switch. I went to the garage and opened up the steering column to see the wire was disconnected from the connecter at the ignition switch.



I got a female blade connecter similar to the one that was in the connecter assembly and rigged it to work and spliced an extension on to the wire. It seems the factory did not give enough play in the big red ignition wire to relieve the strain against the wires when adjusting the tilt steering wheel.



Anyway, if you have a no start condition or stalling of the engine and the instrument cluster will not go through the start-up sequence be sure to check the ignition switch connector assembly on the column.



Thanks again guys and gals... you really helped me out. Your the best!

 

[Missouri Mule]

Glad you go it fixed even though I can't give myself credit for helping out.

 

[Matt42]

I have also encountered this, with my work truck. In that case, a low-bid company installed an alarm system with start and engine kill. It had a tilt wheel. The low-bid installer used crimp connectors and did a poor job. Under certain temperature conditions, it would start and run only with the steering column in a certain (unpleasant) position. I finally got fed up with it and fixed it with a solder gun and a long extension cord at an antique two-unit dormitory trailer at a mine site at twilight, while being watched by flying bats. And no, I am not making any of that up.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Tilt steering and no start or engine dying have been arounfd for a long time.