Starter or Ignition Switch or other??

[C_Weber187]

2002 Grand Am GT 3.4L v6 52,000 mi
Every once in a while, when trying to start the car, it would turn over but not fire. Turn the ignition off and try again and it would usually fire right up. Yesterday, it started right up and drove fine, parked the car for about 40 minutes, came back and it won't even try to start. The battery is less than a year old, but I tried to jump it anyway, still nothing. When you turn the key on, all the power accesories work fine. When you try to start it, there is nothing, not even a click. Left the key in the ON position, and shorted the starter solenoid. The car turned over easily, but would not fire. Also tried all of this in Neutral with the same results. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[mtnhutt]

I think we are having the same problem. I had to pull my car to the dealer last night and I have'nt heard from them yet. I'm thinking it has something to do with the alarm or ignition switch or both.

[C_Weber187]

Yeah, I'm starting to lean towards the security system myself. The car now starts and runs fine. Also, I was informed that the security light has come on in the past while the vehicle was being driving.

[mtnhutt]

I have been doing some reading and this seems to be a common problem with these cars, but evidentally nobody is sure how to repair this. The best way that I can figure is to install a remote start and this will bypass the passlock.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF C_Weber187.

Thier are several issues and FIxes for the passlock systems problems.
ALL IMO are related to the ignition switch or the lock cylinder and being abused.
Thier made from plastic and over time and beating they do wear out fast IMO.

One thing is if you have a bunch of stuff hanging from your keys, eventually the security light will come on and or flash.
Removing the excess weight will help this problem and is listed as a problem in a GM TSB(not sure on the # of this TSB).
When this happens you'll need to do a pass lock relearn to prevent furthur starting problems....

Security relearn procedure:

1) Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
2) Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
3) Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
4) Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
5) Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
6) Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
7) On 4th attempt, car should start.

NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete

Also make sure your battery terminals and wires at the starter are clean and tight.

Hope that helps