hi
my g/f has a 97 grand am. the other day she went to start it and it wouldn't start. I came home and I tried to jump it for her and it wouldn't jump either.....figuring the battery took a sh*t, i went and picked up another battery. after installing the battery, everything worked fine... all the lights came on when the key was in the run position, but when i went to start it there was nothing... no clicks either.

I took out the haynes manual, started reading, and found a spot that said that if the starter wasn't clicking when trying to start, run a lead from the jumpers from the positive pole on the battery to the "s" terminal on the solenoid. the starter began to operate.....it also says that if it does operate the porblem is in the ignition switch, neutral start switch or in the wiring.

I can't figure this out and just need some help

thanx

I have the same problem also 1997 3.1L V6 but couldn't figure it out, My battery has 12.45 volts, starter works, replaced starter selenoid, my fuel pump runs, when I turn the key the radio and all lights come on but engine does not even turn over I get nothing from the engine. Before it would start right up. I just got out to go into the gas station and when i returned not even 5 min later this is what i got. I think it might be the Ignition switch, because if it were the anti theft system then disconnecting the battery should turn it off or leaving the key in for 10 mins in the run position. I really need help so do u guys think the ignition switch is the problem. THANX ~D~

202 people read this and not 1 reply

Went thru a simular problem my battery had voltage but no AMPS.
volt meter said 12 plus volts but a load test said bad.I had to get a jump to get car out of park

I would definatly suspect the ignition switch, not the key cylninder, but the one on the steering column.

No AMPS ????? ampere is a measure of current, not voltage - if there is no draw on the battery then there should be no AMPS. Also current must be measured in series, not parallel like voltage.

with out amperage there is no current.
i=e/a.
what I was really getting at I guess was try a load test