'94 Intermittent Start

Hey all - '94SE, 3.1L, 110,000. 98% of the time the car starts fine. Occasionally though, when I turn the key, all the lights come on normally, but nothing from the starter. I sit there for a few minutes, turn the key, car starts up and quickly dies. Without turning the key to the off position, turn key again, car starts and runs perfectly. Any ideas? Thanks!

Does your car have the resistor pellet on it? If so, the pellet itself, or the contacts in the ignition cylinder may be dirty. This will cause the security system to not recognize the key at first, and disable the fuel pump.

Yes, my key has the pellets, and that was my first instinct. The pellets seem to be rather worn down, could this be the cause? I will also remove the ignition and clean it (can't hurt, right?), thanks again.

This happened on my kids car onetime. Same thing you described. same year.
I had him switch to his spare key and it worked. I wonder how you go about cleaning the ignition switch?

This happened on my kids car onetime. Same thing you described. same year.
I had him switch to his spare key and it worked. I wonder how you go about cleaning the ignition switch? I have no idea - when I get the time, I will take it apart and see whats what. I'll let you know how it goes.

This happened again with my kids 94 gp today a couple of times. I however mis-spoke maybe. When you turn the key to start it, there is nothing. No lights on the dash. You hear a faint humming, (fuel pump)? If you wait 10-15 minutes it starts right up. Last week I put a new battery and another starter in. Its been over a month in a half since this happened. I'm thinking nuetral safety or ignition switch. Any one have any other suggestions on what to check? Is there any componant between the ignition switch and the starter that I don/t know about? Maybe a indication of no lights on the dash coming on would be a clue? Thanks for any suggestions!

This happened again with my kids 94 gp today a couple of times. I however mis-spoke maybe. When you turn the key to start it, there is nothing. No lights on the dash. You hear a faint humming, (fuel pump)? If you wait 10-15 minutes it starts right up. Last week I put a new battery and another starter in. Its been over a month in a half since this happened. I'm thinking nuetral safety or ignition switch. Any one have any other suggestions on what to check? Is there any componant between the ignition switch and the starter that I don/t know about? Maybe a indication of no lights on the dash coming on would be a clue? Thanks for any suggestions!

I should clarify: When you turn the key to the on position the dash lights come on. When you turn the key to the start position, the dash lights do not come on. I can't remember if this is normal or not. Thanks!

I should clarify: When you turn the key to the on position the dash lights come on. When you turn the key to the start position, the dash lights do not come on. I can't remember if this is normal or not. Thanks!

I just read where this is normal. I wonder if this car has a starting relay that I need to check?

If the ignition cylinder doesn't read the resistor is correct, it will disable both the starter circuit and fuel pump. You may have a security module going bad as the fuel pump comes on but the starter won't engage (it's only disabling part way). Since it starts after 10-15 minutes, it sounds like the security module finally reads the key and allows the vehicle to start. This could also be caused by a dirty ignition cylinder or the wires from it to the security module are frayed and getting an intermittent connection (common issue, especially if you constantly move the tilt wheel up and down).

If the ignition cylinder doesn't read the resistor is correct, it will disable both the starter circuit and fuel pump. You may have a security module going bad as the fuel pump comes on but the starter won't engage (it's only disabling part way). Since it starts after 10-15 minutes, it sounds like the security module finally reads the key and allows the vehicle to start. This could also be caused by a dirty ignition cylinder or the wires from it to the security module are frayed and getting an intermittent connection (common issue, especially if you constantly move the tilt wheel up and down).

Hey Rich,
Thanks for the feedback. A couple of questions. Is this security module located in the steering wheel column? 2). Could I spray contact cleaner into the ignition switch to try to clean it up? 3). When this happens
I beleive you can hear the hum of the fuel pump. If this is the case, could I put the key to the on position, then take a piece of wire and touch the solonoid terminal on the starter (purple), to the positive terminal of the battery? Would the car start then? Thanks again for the help!

The security module is located under the dash, either in the drivers side kick panel, or behind the glove box. Cleaning the ignition cylinder can't hurt at this point, and use a pencil eraser on the metal strips on the key pellet to insure they are clean too. If it's a security module issue, jumping the starter solenoid wouldn't help.

The security module is located under the dash, either in the drivers side kick panel, or behind the glove box. Cleaning the ignition cylinder can't hurt at this point, and use a pencil eraser on the metal strips on the key pellet to insure they are clean too. If it's a security module issue, jumping the starter solenoid wouldn't help.

Rich,
Does that mean if its not a security module issue that jumping the starter solenoid should work. thanks! I'm trying to get a troubleshooting sequence ready in my head for the next time it happens.

IF it's a neutral safety switch issue, then jumping the solenoid will turn the starter over. you can check for power at the "s" terminal when the key is in the start position. If present, then you can rule out a bad neutral safety switch. If not present, try shifting to neutral (instead of park). If you have power then, it's a bad neutral safety switch. If you still don't have power at the "s" terminal, then it's most likely an issue with the key/ign cyl/security module.

i had the same problem in my 95 se coupe, lights come on but i cant start engine, i move to neutral gear & it starts

good luck

I think I got it now. Will wait for it to happen again. This time I am prepared to troubleshoot. (thanks to you guys). hopefully it won't be 10 degrees out. Will post back if I find anything out. Thanks again guys!