97 GM PCM EFI Key will not engage starter

Get out the VOM! as Pete would say.

I prefer a simple test light for stuff like this. But yeah, you have to ground your test light on your battery, engine block or other known good ground.

Then, probe the input side of the key. You should have constant voltage there. Well, if you have an ignition breaker, make sure that is on first,

Then, probe the ignition post on the key. You should be getting voltage to that post when the key is in the run position. Sounds like you are since the fuel pump comes on etc. But, double check.

Finally, probe the start post of they key. If you aren't, well then it's the key. If you are getting voltage at the start post with the key in the start position, it's something else.

Oh yeah, something else like the neutral safety switch. The start voltage has to go through that switch.

Glad to help. Remember that the key switch and neutral safety switch are only switching positive current.

Just leave your test light ground or VOM ground, grounded in one spot on your battery negative or engine block, while you poke around with your positive probe.

The ignition switch works.all 3 post and positions. I started the engine by using a screw driver touching the post on the solenoid with the batt cable and the small post with the white wire. doing the same thing from batt cable to starter post and starter spins but does not engage to the motor.

I think power is not getting from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid?

And thanks for telling me the check that it was in neutral. I could have totally missed that!!

I checked the kill switch on and off in both the start and run positions and got voltage in and out with it on. And in only with it out or off.

Is the NSS at the throttle position? Headed out to check those and then the coil now.

Couldn't I just run a new wire directly from the start position on key switch to the start post on the solenoid???

reaching just trying to get on the water. My boat guy is swamped I got responses from him yesterday at 10;30pm when he finally got of the water.

Thanks so much for the help you guys have been great!!!!!

I can't express enough gratitude you guys really know your stuff!!!

I am an idiot. The throttle was straight up and down but I jiggled it anyway and heard the click.

very angry and very happy at the same time!

I did find the NSS and it tested fine after I put the boat totally in neutral.

Problem solved!

Thanks for all of your time and concern. I would still be out in the heat working on it if it were not for you guys!

Happens to the best of us, glad it was an easy fix!