So I own a 99 chevy venture van with a v6 3.4. The other day everything was running fine. I then changed out my water pump for a new one, and once I hooked the battery back up now for some reason it tries to start on its own any time its hooked up. Any ideas on why?

Look around the water pump area to see if you nicked the insulation off any wires.

What do they look like?

something is making the starter try to engage like you have the key on. i would start by taking the little wire off the starter and testing it for 12v. not supposed to be there unless you turn the key. also this will allow you to test without the engine cranking. doesnt seem likely anything to do with the water pump. all there is in the circuit is purple to top of trans then yellow inside to ign switch. please post your findings

I haven't exactly figured it out. But I strongly believe it is my ignition switch. When I went to look at it I smelled a burning smell. So I think it burnt out for some reason. Now I need opinions. I have already attached a toggle switch up to my radiator fans. Is there any negative to attaching one to my starter so I can force it on and off? Besides obvious resell value as I don't plan on ever selling it.

Pull the starter relay and hook up the battery and see if the starter engages. If it does you have a short to voltage on the purple wire going to the starter. If it doesn't try to start you might be right about the ign switch. Your better off replacing the switch rather trying to bypass it because it powers up thing in the transmission that can cause damage.

Also the engine computer actually controls the starter relay not the ign switch. It just looks for a signal from the switch and determines it'* safe to start the engine.

75-like i said, no computer involvement, no relay. alot of the vehicles after 99-2000 are this way gm got smart with it. there is no need. security is done through turning off the fuel injectors after 99ish depending on model.


denver- if you dont want to deal with the switch its not going to hurt anything electricaly, just get a good 20-30 amp push button type normally open switch