Thread: Intermittent Starting Problem...

Hey guys, I am hoping to pick your brains on a issue I've been having...

On my parents 96 Buick Regal, it has a starting problem of sorts. Where 60% of the time it starts fine, but that other 40%, you turn the key, and nothing happens, lights dim a very small amount.

Yes, you say that could be a host of issues. The starter is good (IE replaced a couple of times, trying to fix this problem), the ignition lock cylinder should be good (replaced trying to fix this problem).

The main battery cable, has juice going to it. It is the other wire, that seems to not get juice when it is suppose to (you can jumper it, and it will engage). The relay has been replaced, and the fuses look to be good.

Do you guys think there might be a short in the system? Where is the neutral safety switch, and could that be the problem?

Thanks for the help guys,
Claude

Originally Posted by Claude

Hey guys, I am hoping to pick your brains on a issue I've been having...

On my parents 96 Buick Regal, it has a starting problem of sorts. Where 60% of the time it starts fine, but that other 40%, you turn the key, and nothing happens, lights dim a very small amount.

Yes, you say that could be a host of issues. The starter is good (IE replaced a couple of times, trying to fix this problem), the ignition lock cylinder should be good (replaced trying to fix this problem).

The main battery cable, has juice going to it. It is the other wire, that seems to not get juice when it is suppose to (you can jumper it, and it will engage). The relay has been replaced, and the fuses look to be good.

Do you guys think there might be a short in the system? Where is the neutral safety switch, and could that be the problem?

Thanks for the help guys,
Claude

i would check for a bad connection in the starting system. check the connections going to the starter and take them off and clean them. also, check the ground wire going from the battery negative to the chassis....

Originally Posted by gpbastard

i would check for a bad connection in the starting system. check the connections going to the starter and take them off and clean them. also, check the ground wire going from the battery negative to the chassis....

you can try wiggling the shifter when you start it that may help to see if the neutral start switch is bad. also, when you troubleshoot always start with the easy stuff first then move up, not the other way around...

Originally Posted by 01GTP

had the same problem with a 96 boneville, just installed a push button starter on the dash for when the key does not work.

did you ever find out why it wouldn't start?

So how do you install the push button? hahahaha

The starter solenoid wire is good, I replaced that connection just for good measure.

Neutral safety switch, replaced. Ignition switch (the fat thing that sits on top of the steering column, with a ton of wires going to it) replaced. Ignition relay, replaced.

Sooooo, I am at that point I think, where I am in need of some wiring diagrams, to trace where something is loose. Any ideas where I could get them guys? I need to know where all these wires run, short of unwrapping the entire wiring harness

Did you ever get your car starting problem fixed? I have a 92 GP SE and I am having the same problem and have replaced the same parts. Any suggestions? Thanks