S10 Chevy pickup trucks share characteristics with other motor vehicles. There are several things an average person can do to diagnose problems that may be causing a vehicle to not start. These steps are not a substitute for an auto mechanic, but may be useful in either creating a temporary solution or for collecting information needed when calling for assistance. A few of these steps may require some prior experience with the tools and with motor vehicles.
Before attempting to start your vehicle, make sure the clutch is all the way to the floor, or that the vehicle is out-of-gear. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, it should be in park. Some vehicles have safety features that will not allow the vehicle to start if the transmission is not properly disengaged.
Check the out-of-doors temperature. S-10s do not like to start in cold weather. Sometimes waiting till later in the day when the air is warmer or pushing the vehicle into a heated garage will alleviate the problem.
Turn the key in the ignition. Listen for the results. A growling sound means that there is life in the car battery. If it is responding strongly, roll down the window and check for odors. A strong gas smell may mean that too much gasoline has entered the carburetor. This can cause the vehicle not to start. If you do not smell gas, pump the gas pedal once or twice and turn the key again.
Check the gas gauge. Is the vehicle out of gas? Has it recently run out of gas, and been refilled? If so, some Chevrolet models have a sensor which will have to be reset by an auto mechanic before it can be started.
Try the key again. Does the ignition make a clicking sound? If so, there is a good chance that the battery is run down and will have to be recharged before the vehicle will start. The battery can be recharged using a battery charger or a set of jumper cables attached to another vehicle. Read directions carefully on chargers or jumper cables, or get help from someone who has experience using them.
Open the hood, and look at the battery. On older model vehicles, such as the S10, the battery should be readily visible. Two posts are on the top of the battery, and cables run from the posts to the starter. Check the posts and cables. Are the cables securely attached? Is there corrosion on the posts and cables?
Clean corroded cables and battery posts. This can be done either with baking soda and a little water using a stiff brush (a toothbrush works well) or by pouring a clear carbonated beverage over the terminals and using a brush or cloth to clean the residue. After cleaning, try again to start the vehicle.
Turn the key, and listen to the ignition. If you get no response or if there is a harsh grinding kind of sound, there is a good chance that the ignition/starter is not working correctly. If this is the case, on older model vehicles with a standard transmission, the vehicle may be able to start if it is pushed down an incline. With the vehicle in gear, push the clutch to the floor until the vehicle is up to speed. Then quickly "pop" or release the clutch, engaging the transmission. This may start the vehicle.
Call a tow truck, and take the vehicle to a mechanic. If none of the above steps are productive, you have a more serious mechanical problem. It is time to call for help, and let a professional work on starting your truck.
