ignition trouble

**68galaxie500** · 09-10-2011

Hey Guys, I have a 96 pontiac Grand Prix SE. A while back the car wouldn't start. Everything checked out ok but the starter wouldn't engage. I tried adjusting the tilt column,working the sfifter between neutral and park and the the car started and I had no more trouble until last night. The car did the same thing. I tried everything that I had done when the car started before. It wouldn't go. I had to have it towed home. None of the idiot lights or gauges act up while trying to start it, but I did notice the light on the a/c switch would come on while I had the key in the start position. The blower speeds are working fine in all switch positions. The key switch itself isn't sticking and appears to be working fine. Any help and or advice is greatly appreciated. thanks, Bill

**cerick08GP** · 09-10-2011

Well Bill,

I’d start with the basics first. What you have described to me sounds like it might me a classic case of a weak battery. All vehicles exhibit a variety of symptoms when battery voltage is low, I’d check the voltage to ensure it is above about 12.4 volts. If it is any lower you need a new battery. Along with this check all the battery connections for continuity and corrosion. Just a few months back a guy had blown his fusible link and was all frustrated because the kid at ricer-zone couldn’t help him diagnose the issue. They just kept replacing the alternator over and over again.

I inferred from your post that you think it might be some kind of interlock issue, or possibly a short circuit. Well, it certainly could be but more information like the engine type, vehicle mileage, vehicle history and any modifications that have been done to the car would help a lot more than “everything checked out ok”.

**68galaxie500** · 09-10-2011

Thanks for the reply. I believe it is the ignition switch. The battery is only a yr old. The car has 198,000 miles. Engine was replaced 1 yr ago. It is a 60,000 mile engine. At the time of the engine install, the alternator was checked. Everything on the car is working as it should. When the key is turned to start,the fuel pump cycles,all idiot lights come on as normal. The only issue is that the starter doesn't engage. No clicking, no attempt to start. It did this once before,about a month ago. then no issues until yesterday. I saw some threads here about the ignition switch,and although my fan switch hasn't been malfunctioning, the eratic start sounds similar to my situation. Thanks, Bill

**cerick08GP** · 09-10-2011

Good luck man, I hope you are correct. I lifted this out of an article for you. Unfortunately, my (along with most of the members here) knowledge is on the 1997 and newer models.

Bad Igntion Switch: If your battery checks out, but the starter is still silent, it may be a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start). If the red warning lights on your dash don't light up (and your battery connections are clean), the ignition switch is bad. If they do light up, turn the key to the start position. The dash warning lights should turn off at this key position (most cars). If you're not sure, turn on the headlights. When you try to start the car, the lights should either dim (a lot) or turn off completely. If they do, your ignition switch should be ok. If not, the switch will need replacement.

**68galaxie500** · 09-11-2011

Thanks Cerick. I will conduct the test that you forwarded me. I really appreciate your effort to help. On Friday, I found instructions on this site for replacing the ignition switch that were authored by Matt. I can't find them now. I wanted to print them off for use. Thanks again, Bill

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