Problem with 1996 Camero and we are stumped.?

Question

OK. There is no crank and no start. We replaced the battery, and every so often, the interior and dash lights work, but still no crank and no start, even if being jumped. When being jumped, there is no change in my truck's power that we are jumping it with. I can hear the celinoid *pop*, but nothing. It was running with full power before one morning it was dead. A new motor was dropped into it a month ago, but when it was put in, the mechanic told the owner that the wiring harness from the old motor needed to be used, because the new one did not fit into the engine compartment. Why would a mechanic replace a wiring harness with an engine swap is beyond me, but whatever. We are stumped. I would say it's the starter, but for some reason, I am also leaning towards a wiring problem...........HELP!!

Here's the thing, I was thinking the wiring to the battery might be a problem ,because the wire looked like it had been "frayed"... Not melted by heat, but somehow attached correctly. I am going to check all of these, and let you all know if I have more problems...

Answer 1

We had the same problem with our '96 Camaro. You need to buy a harness that connects to the distributor. It's almost like an adapter. When the engine is switched out it needs a new harness to connect to the distributor b/c then it will burn out the spark plugs and not start anymore. We bought 3 different distributors to try to get ours to start when it turned out we only needed that small harness. Our engine had been changed as well. I hope this helps. My husband knows more about this kind of stuff so maybe I'll get him to answer as well.
GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

The solenoid is integral with the starter on most GM vehicles. These are prone to failure due to their close proximity to the exhaust manifolds and pipes. I would suspect this is the problem. Tap on the starter solenoid (the starter is like a big electric motor, and the solenoid is like a big switch) to see if the solenoid is stuck. The starter is typically black, and the solenoid is under a silver cover on top of the starter. Tap that cover with a wrench or mallet taking care not to dent it, or contact the point where the battery cable attaches. I few good raps should free it up, if this is the problem. If this fixes it, replace the starter.

If the problem persists, take the starter to your local auto parts store and have them check it for proper operation. Also have them check to see if it is the proper application. It is quite possible with a new motor for the starter to go out because new motors are tighter inside (less wear) resulting in more friction the starter has to overcome.

Answer 3

Check every wire and connection between the battery and the starter. Then pull the starter itself and have it tested. I do not know if the solenoid is in the starter, or on the firewall, but that is another suspect.

If you have a volt meter, see if you are getting fire from the ignition to the solenoid. If not, you may have a wiring problem there, or a bad ignition switch.

Answer 4

Ran into this problem years ago on a engine swap.
Chevy's have a ground wire (about the same gauge/diameter as a battery cable) that USUALLY goes from the rear of a cylinder head to the firewall, to complete the electrical (for the engine) circuit.

Answer 5

did you change the battery cables? also chevy has the main power line on the starter on most vehicles, and the lug could be corroded,

I would put a volt meter on the solenoid and see what you are reading,

even with the engine swap the engine should turn over,

Answer 6

CHECK all the connections, I've taken those engines out the top, (you're supposed to take them out the bottom) and I have not had a problem. Somebody probably did not tighten a connection properly like mentioned...

Answer 7

GET A MUSTANG !!!!!!!!!!!