Weird Starting Procedure

[91gmblack]

Hi All,

Two days ago, my 91 GM (5.0, 218,000 miles) developed some quirk when I go to start it.

When I turn the key to Start, the engine cranks, and just keeps cranking. It doesn't let the engine run.

Only by releasing the key from the Start position after 4 cranks will the engine run.

BTW, the Autolite plugs, wires, MSD cap & rotor, TFI module, and MSD 8227 coil are all less than 9 months old.

What could this be??

Thanks,
91gmblack

[Southern_Pride]

Sounds like a bad bypass circuit. Not sure If efi cars have those though.

[gadget73]

Sounds like the ignition switch if I had to guess. EFI cars don't have the bypass thing like carb cars. It could also be a dead TFI module. They have two power inputs, one for start power, one for igntion power. If the TFI halfass died, it could do this. Wiring problems could also be to blame but without an EVTM for a 91, I don't know what specific things to point you at.

[89merk]

I think its the ignition switch as well, i had read somewhere that this style GM had recalls on that part.

[Heretic]

Most likely the TFI, I had this happen on the 86 I had in 1999... It would get spark in run, but no spark whilst cranking. We tried the ignition switch back in the day and that did not solve it, and being un-informed, naive, and 19, I actually wired a pushbutton in between the battery and coil to get spark while cranking. Although, as it sounds in your case as well, if I got motion and released the key to 'run' it would catch. I drove that car for 3 years like that LOL...