56 Cadillac starting problem

[2danreed]

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on my starting issue.

I attempted to start my '56 Cadillac today and it wanted to fire up but wouldn't. I turned the key - the cranked a couple of times then the engine fired up, but only for a second. The car normally starts and runs well - its not as if I've had any prior quirks or issues prior to today.

It seems that the car fires up only long enough for the ignition key to go from the START to RUN position. Is it possible there's a problem in the ignition switch?  The root of the problem seems electrical in nature not mechanical.

Any ideas?

Dan

[Coupe]

It sounds like the ignition resistor is the problem. It allows 12 volts to the coil when starting then cuts the voltage to 6 when the key is released. If it's the same as a '57 it's located on the firewall toward the passenger side. It should be white ceramic about 2 1/2" long and 3/4" wide.

[Dave Shepherd]

Run 12v to the coil pos. see if it starts and runs, if so, like " coupe" says back track the voltage to the resistor and ign. switch.

[2danreed]

To Dave Shepherd:  Where do I run the 12v from?

[J. Gomez]

To Dave Shepherd:  Where do I run the 12v from?

Dan,

Just clipped a wire with alligator clips across the two resistor terminals one will have a black from the coil with a yellow from the starter solenoid and the second will be have a pink from the ignition switch.

This will isolate the resistor if it is faulty; just leave this long enough to validate the resistor is at fault. If you still having the same issues the problem will be an open “pink” wire from the ignition switch or the ignition switch itself.

Good luck..!

[2danreed]

Thanks guys - I'll try that out and see what I get.

Dan

[Dan LeBlanc]

Someone else here had a similar problem not too long ago.  Turned out to be the solenoid . . .

http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/forum/index.php?topic=117183.msg194202#msg194202

[tbirdtbird]

hmmm
doubt solenoid
gotta be the resistor as above.
i see this same Q pop up on the several forums i am on from time to time for sev other marques

[57flw]

Dan,
Here is a picture of what Coupe, Dave and Jose are referring to.
Hope it helps.
Ken


The red line shows you where to put the jumper.