Starter Switch Replacement / Air Bag Removal 98 silverado

Had a difficult time finding instructions online and in my haynes manual for this process, so I decided to wing it. It ended up being pretty easy.

My 98 Silverado is having starting problems. It won't initiate the starter, but when it does everything rungs fine. long story short, weeded out a lot of potential causes and narrowed it down to something electrical. I talked to a mechanic at the dealer and he said this was the first thing he would replace.

Hope it helps you!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• chevy
• chevrolet
• silverado
• 1500
• 2500
• 3500
• air
• bag
• starter
• ignition
• switch
• wiring
• mechanic
• mechanical
• electric
• diagnosic
• truck
• pickup
• harness
• bad
• does
• not
• 1998
• 98
• 97
• 96
• 95
• steering
• column
• shroud
• key
• lock
• cylinder
• suburban
• tahoe
• yukon
• gmc

[sherrytucker]

now disrespect,.. but video suck. You need better light.

[FoxInSoxx28]

@sherrytucker Now Sarcasm... sorry i didn't think to run off to my local production equipment rental shop for a 3-point lighting kit and a cinema quality HDcam with it being 2:30 AM and all. Video sucks? give me a break. i had the dash in pieces and decided to help other shade tree mechanics who might run into this problem so i pulled out my phone and ran through the process the best i could. Please tell me you at least learned from the process and aren't just trolling to get attention.

[FoxInSoxx28]

In light of that, I'm completely confused why my ABS system would cause a no start issue. Anyone have any insight? i'm all ears. I can replace components, but when it comes to car computers, i'm lost.

[holbroju55]

Hey I have a 1998 Sierra abd it just recentley started acting upbut im having trouble figuring out what it could be? When I turn the key to the start position it doesnt do anything other times it just fires right up. the stater was done about 2 years ago. my theory is if it was the switch or relay it wouldnt do anything, So my question to you is did you have the same problem?

[FoxInSoxx28]

@holbroju55 My next steps are checking the switch that senses what gear the car is in, and using the staring system diagnostics to check wiring from the starter to the cab to see if there are any loose or corroded connections.

[FoxInSoxx28]

@holbroju55 Are you still having troubles with your truck? here's something to try that made a good temporary fix for my issue. If you have the same problem... whenever the truck does start the ABS and break lights flash once then the transmission indicator light disappears - after that, no start until the trans. light magically decides to work. My buddy removed the ABS fuse from the under hood fuse box and truck starts every time now. no ABS, but like I said temp. fix with a running vehicle.

[norcaltech]

I used your vid for a quick refresher. I did my 98 C1500 right after.

[gabzapalv]

*Taking of cylinder, there will be a small hole on top of cylinder LOOk for it you will see it!, insert key to ignition and place at the ON position wiggle it whle holding a small screw driver or a thin allen wrench to the small hole, you will fill it unlock pull wrench/scrwdrver out and pull cylinder, it will take a few tries

[gabzapalv]

I just finished doing this to a 99 suburban, the hardest thing was-

* Taking off the top cover of the steering wheel column, i actually broke the two screw holes, since i did not know that you had to remove the bottom cover first, than with a flash light look under and there will be two E5? i wouldnt be able to to tell you the size socket you need because i broke mine and didn't bother to take them off untill i get a new cover,

*taking cylinder off- there is a small hole on top of cylinder.

[gabzapalv]

This video helped a lot! thanks for taking the time to film it and uploading it!

That screwdriver is the only way to go since the E4 socket does not fit between the key cylinder and ignition switch, you'll find it at The Home Depot for like $6,

[hangbelly357]

if your going to do it, do it right. You have wasted all our time. there is nothing anyone can use here!!

[buddinator65]

Was happy to find this video. Then couldn't do a thing with it cuz it's so dark and the camera is all over the place. Not sure about his explanations either. I realize he was doing it in the middle of the night and all that, but you really can't learn anything from this video. All the way through it I was saying "what is he talking about?" or "Can you make out what he's showing us?"

[Mrmckissick]

some ass tryed to take my 95 z71 an just f up the ignition system. piss"s me off.

[Mrmckissick]

good video