Does anybody have an answer to my ignition problems in my 2001 Chev. Silverado Z-71. Over the 10 months - my ignition has blown several IGN A fuses. Sometimes replacing the fuse fixes the problem for a few weeks - then the same thing happens. Sometimes if I move the PRNDL a few times - then try to crank - it will work. But today - nothing will fix the problem. There has to be a root to the actual problem. Any HELP would be appreciated. DAWG

 

Somewhere there is a wire that is missing some insulation and occasionally touches bare metal, blowing the fuse. I would start by checking the steering column, both under the dash as well as under the hood. You will be looking for a wire touching metal.

 

Thanks - I'll give that a shot.

 

I couldn't find any exposed wire (wire-on-metal). I don't think it's the starter - but should I replace it or try something else?

 

When you go to crank the engine, you need to test either the outgoing side (big cable headed down toward starter) of a fender mounted relay, if you have one, or down by the starter's solenoid, to see if you are getting 12 volts at the solenoids "s" terminal. You have to have 12 volts at either of those when key turned to start (need help and voltmeter to test; someone turning key to "start" (maybe good idea to pull coil wire) while you test with voltmeter . Red probe on terminal and black probe to any good unpainted metal for ground. (In DC testing you always have to have the red probe on the positive terminal. In AC current it does not matter.)

 

Don't replace anything on a guess. You could throw many hundreds of dollars into it and still not find the source.
Fuses blow when they have to pass more current than they were designed and rated to handle.

Starter -no. Starter solenoid, ignition switch itself, neutral safety switch may be the next areas to check.

 

I'm willing to bet the ignition switch is junk.

 

Thanks for the insight - When I turn the ignition to the position where the radio and accessories come on - then place a good fuse in the IGN A slot - a noise comes from the side of the engine. The noise quickly goes away when I turn the ignition to start - plus the fuse blows. I'm trying to get my hands on a volt meter. Is there a secret to getting the housing off the steering column?

 

Remove the 3 torx headed bolts from under the bottom cover. The upper may have an inverted torx screw holding it on, not 100% sure.

 

please, let us know how you had it fixed. i have 2000 silverado, thus the interest. just in case.

with me being dumb electrically, here's what i have learned: there should be NO juice in the system before anything is connected or disconnected. gap spark, you know. so, having ignition in any given "on" position and THEN inserting a fuse sounds threatening to me.

harbour freight tools has excellent working multimeters for less than $4. have one and use it continuously for a year.

my truck makes all kinds of initial noises when key is turned to acessories or 1st on position. i think there are MANY properly functioning relays and other doohinkies that come to life then.