97 cavalier wont start with key

yes i have read through the threads my cavalier wont start with hte key i can hear fuel pump and the lights on dash come on wipers headlights etc but wont start i can jump the starter with screwdriver and it will turn over does anyone have a idea have to go back to work monday

By jump the starter I'm guessing you mean connect the "B+" and "S" terminals together? You've got a problem somewhere between the fuse box and the wire on the starter. To begin, check all fuses. If they're all good, check to see if yours has a starter relay. There is another post here (fairly recent, should be on the first page still) that covers this a bit, but some have a relay and some dont because of a recall. If you do have the relay, check for power. You should have constant power on terminal 30, and power when the key is in the crank position on terminal 85. You should have a constant ground on both other terminals, because one grounds through the starter and the other goes to an actual ground. Let us know where the problem is and you'll get suggestions from there!

ok thanks for the reply i check the wires the purple wire that is suppose to be hot when you turn over the key isnt i even tried to chanfe the igntion switch no change if any other options please let me no all i changed the starter realy too :frown:

hello,it sounds like the fusable link(inside purple wire)may have blown.if there is no power at solonoid trace wire back(i think to alternator).if its hot (12v)at other end then fusable link has blown.Good Luck

I've got to disagree on that one, not saying I couldn't be wrong, but in the hundreds of starting circuit diagrams I've seen, I've never seen a fusible link on the exciter wire. The exciter wire (purple wire) comes from the ignition switch or starter relay (not the alternator), both of which are protected with a fuse. The fuse would blow before the fusible link, although it's not impossible for a fusible link to just open due to corrosion, but I really don't think there is one.

Did you check fuses like I said? If you replaced the ignition switch and the relay, that only leaves no power or an open wire as the problem.

yes check all fuses twice i guess going to miss work tommorroww and follow the wire down to c what could be causing it dont no what else to do