I have had a starting problem with my 98 Olds. Intrigue for some time now. When I turn the key ignition to start, it would turn, but would not connect (as if no gas). I would listen for the fuel pump and hear it going. Some times it would crank, sometimes it wouldn't. I would sit some days for 15 min. or more. Finally when it would start, it would be fine.
I checked the fuel filter, and it was fine, but I replaced it anyway. I tried it and I would still have inconsistancies with start up. After trying to trace it for a couple of months, it got worse. It got to where when it would start, all guages would light up and the needles would fly all over the place, the service engine light would come on and within seconds the car would shut off. If I pressed down the gas when the guages would go crazy, the car would start but with a chocking sound, as if it was clogged. It was very rough sounding and I looked in the rearview for smoke, but there was none. The car has it's days when it wants to run or not. It has sat for almost a year and I just tried it and it crunk like a new vehicle. I let it run for 15min, switched off and tried again, it worked. The next day, it started back with the problems and the dash dancing around.
The car has 211K and has had 3 (1st in 2000 $200, 2nd in 2002 $250, and 3rd in 2005 @$300) ignition switches put on it. The last time I took it to a dealer, they said it was the ignition switch again. This time they said it would cost $700.
I took it to a very repitable mechanic that works on alternator, batteries, and starters. They stated that it was not the ignition switch, but a computer issue.
A third mechanic said he believes the computer is going bad and giving false readings.
What's really the deal here? I have read posts and found that this Forum gives the best advice. Please, for the sake of my 98 Olds that I purchased 10 years ago, can anyone help?