Thread: No crank. Replaced starter, still no crank. Now what.

I just got a 1997 grand prix gt. When I purchased it the people that I purchased it from said it would not start. So I got it home and put a barrowed battery in it. Turned the key and naturally, nothing. So I have my son try to start it while I crack the starter with a hammer. And still nothing. So I try to start it in neutral, Nothing. So, I head inside to eat supper. I come back out to remove the key and lock it for the night and just for fun I turn the key and it starts right up! Turned it off and on like 20 times in the next hour or so, cranks and starts everytime. So this morning I go out to move it into the garage to change the oil, turn the key and nothing no starter engagement at all.

I have tried starting it probably 65 time in the last 4 hours, Nothing.

So far I have replaced the starter, battery, and charged the battery for about 6 hours. All the lights work, there is a clunk in the dash and the DIC kicks on and off with the key motion..... turn key to start, clunk, DIC goes black. let key return to run, DIC lights up again. Dome lights never dim when trying to start.

Under the hood I hear no starter solenoid clicks at all when my son tries to start it.

Any ideas? I am suspecting the ignition switch now. But don't want to keep throwing money at it and not resolve the real problem.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

most of the time a security problem would flash security, the car will start and run for 10 seconds then cut out.

if all the grounds are clean and tight, id think ignition switch as well.

Where are the grounds that I should check/clean? I see one next to the battery tray.

I checked the grounds, no problems found. Is there a way to bypass the ignition switch to see it that's the problem?

fuses and electric system. I agree with the first post sounds like your ignition switch is bad. Here is one free thing to try first that i have heard of. assuming your key has those little metal conductors on them clean them with achohale. if that doesnt work. I am sorry mate looks like you got a problem with the ignition system.

**UPDATE**

I took the bottom panel off the steering colum and found a stack of pennies taped up. They fell out when I removed that panel. Well I pushed the silver button on the bottom of the ignition switch... (I thin it controls the key release) Anyway, I tried to start it with the panel removed and it cranked and started right up! I let it warm for a few minutes, then shut it off. Tried to restart and nothing! What the heck!!!!!!
I was thinking about doing the start button mod, would'nt this eliminate the problem? Plus this car is going to be my sons and I think he would really like the push botton start mod!

Thanks for all the help so far.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

you see the black box on the column near the key? try tapping that lightly, then try to start it,) or try to crank it and tap the box) if it starts id be leaning towards the ignition switch.

Great minds think alike. I already tried that. Still nothing.

My key does not have the metal strip for security. But tried the re-learn process anyway. Still nothing.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

Where are you located in ohio? Just curious.

Yes I am, and not to far from you, if your in Coldwater. I'm about 10min northeast of Van Wert, Ohio