Thread: Car not starting randomly

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  1. #1 Car not starting randomly 
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    I've just gotten a 99 GTP from a relative and had an issue this morning. I went to start it, got a click, and then nothing but warning lights on the dash. Tried a few times and then jumped in my backup vehicle. Chalked it up to cold Wisconsin weather and a questionable battery. Few hours later tested the cells and they were all ok, charge was good. Same issue, but on the second try it fired right up, no cold weather slow start . Tried a few times it it would take a random number of tries before it would start. Then tried again late in the afternoon I tried a few times and it fires up right away.

    Talking to a friend, we don't think it's the starter - I believe it has a fairly new starter, they mentioned the lights should dim if it was stuck and they don't.

    I don't believe it's the battery connection, they looked pretty clean and I did hit them with a little sandpaper. I've had a car before that had a bad battery connection and the car would completely die (no gauge lights, radio, etc) which isn't the case.

    The suggestion I was given was the neutral safety switch.

    I have driven the car earlier in the year with no issues and I don't believe it has a history of doing this, but it has been sitting for a while. Makes me nervous and hard to troubleshoot when it doesn't always happen. Most who have issues don't seem to have random ones like this, works or it doesn't.

    I do have the issue with the key getting stuck, need to check the wiring. Don't believe that would affect it?

    Does anyone have any suggestions on things to check?
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  2. #2 Re: Car not starting randomly 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    Double check body grounds for the battery and make sure the wires to and from the starter are all clean and tight.

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  3. #3 Re: Car not starting randomly 
    I live here. 02NavyBlue's Avatar
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    That still could be the starter. One of the commutator segments could be dead and clicking it a few times may catch the next one and get it turning. I've seen them do that plenty of times. Just keep turning it to click it and eventually it catches and starts.
    2006 Grand Prix GT S/C 109k - Modded Transgo Shift Kit, Gutted Airbox, Dash Cam, and Inlays. Retros soon to come.
    2002 Grand Prix GT N/A 127k - Same as 06 Plus: Trans Cooler, DIY Aux Input, LED lighting, Suspension Upgrades, Tint, Retrofits.
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  4. #4 Re: Car not starting randomly 
    GT Level Member Madness's Avatar
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    Favorite Quote: You can't fix stupid!!


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gxKStPXyn8
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  5. #5 Re: Car not starting randomly 
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    No check engine light - have a scanner but didn't think to try it
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  6. #6 Re: Car not starting randomly 
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    So the lights not dimming doesn't rule out the starter? Maybe the starter solenoid?
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  7. #7 Re: Car not starting randomly 
    I live here. 02NavyBlue's Avatar
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    If it at least clicks, its getting power. Could check to make sure its getting full voltage. If so its the starter.
    2006 Grand Prix GT S/C 109k - Modded Transgo Shift Kit, Gutted Airbox, Dash Cam, and Inlays. Retros soon to come.
    2002 Grand Prix GT N/A 127k - Same as 06 Plus: Trans Cooler, DIY Aux Input, LED lighting, Suspension Upgrades, Tint, Retrofits.
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  8. #8 Re: Car not starting randomly 
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    Had a similar problem it was the ignition switch located in the steering column
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