Gear Shifter Won't Light Up- Truck Won't Start

Question:
Problem with my 1998 Chevrolet Astro. On my 1998 Chevy Astro, when I put the gear selector into drive, the light that looks like a "red box" that is supposed to be around the letter " D " doesn't come on. After a couple of minutes when I wait or start driving, it comes on and stays on around the letter " D ". Sometimes the red gear selection light may flicker quickly and then stay on. This also happens when Park, Neural or 2 is selected.

The "red box" indicator sometimes stays on around the selected letter, sometimes it flickers and then stays on around the letter, or it may stay off for a while and appear later. The PRNDL321 lights always work properly except it's the red box around the selected gear that comes on late or flickers. What can be causing this and how can it be fixed?

Answer:
There are 2 things that can cause this. Either a bad instrument cluster (dash), or a faulty range selector switch. The range selector switch is more probable. This switch is on the transmission. The connector is usually very hard to get of off the switch. The connector is usually almost melted into the switch. A heat gun would be needed to remove. Then the connector would need to be cleaned before plugging into the newly installed switch.

Question:
Van was running fine, just finished replacing water pump and timing chain. Does not start. Checked for fuel and spark. Does not appear to have both. Fuel pump sends pressure to injectors. Tried quick start to confirm no spark. I have checked connector to crank position sensor several times and for brakes in wire from terminals to 3 ft. away into harness. Is there any way to check if it is the crank position sensor that is malfunctioning. I do not think there was any way it could have been damaged through the timing chain replacement.

The cam and crank were not moved and remained in the same location as before. Is there anything else I should check before replacing the CPS.($100) Any ideas that could help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Well, the code P0336 is a Crankshaft Position Sensor performance code. I'd say you either jarred the sensor during the timing chain job, or there is a wiring problem. Since it ran before the work was done, it has to be something that happened during that time. It probably didn't have the code before. If you're sure the wiring checks out, and the timing is where it should be, you're going to have to replace the crank sensor and see if it starts then. It probably will, those sensors are very susceptible to damage.

Question:
1998 chevy Tahoe 350 v8 4 wheel drive check engine light. Gear shift broken. Can still push brackets under steering wheel to shift gears, but now will not start. Could my problems be fixed by replacing broken brackets or wiring/electrical issue?? Do i need a whole new steering column?

Answer:
Yes, your problem may get fixed by repairing your shifter problem, but this problem could also be one of many other things. You did not specify if your Tahoe cranks when turning the key or not.

If the truck won't crank over, the shifting problem could be causing the neutral safety switch to not function properly. That switch prevents cranking if the truck is not in park or neutral. But, a bad starter will also do that. Testing for power on the purple wire at the starter when cranking would be the next step. There should be power there. If there is and it will not crank, then the starter is bad.

If your Chevy Tahoe does crank but not start, then you could have a bad fuel pump. Listening for a hum in the fuel tank when running the key on or cranking is a simple check. Also checking for proper pressure would be needed.

This engine must have at least 55 PSI for the engine to start and run. Even a few lbs less and your truck will not start. If the engine cranks, and you have proper fuel pressure, then next you need to check for spark at the spark plugs. There are several things that can cause no spark. If the security light is on the dash, that is a whole other thing. The theft system will make your truck no start also. A common problem for this is a bad Passlock sensor or wiring to it. That wiring runs down the steering column, so all the playing around with the shifter could have rubbed through some wires.

Be sure to check all the fuses. This could be a simple fix if you have one or more blown fuses. Get the check engine light scanned as well. With the light on, there are codes stored in the computer. These may give an indication as to what is causing this condition.