95 Bonneville Starts when it wants to.

[thruhiker]

This car is teaching more and more everyday. The car will start some times and not others. I have put a new starter in and this has not fixed the problem. It was exibiting selinoid problems but a new started did not fix it. It will start for weeks at a time with no problem then for a while it will only start after you have turned the key about 1000 times. When you turn the key everything works in the car. Radio, locks, lights, etc. but no power goes to the starter to kick it over. I can even hear the fuel injuection system go on. Where would I look for the Ignition relay. I have followed the wires from the chilton book but Have not found the problem yet. Any Suggestions? It is crazy because it will work great for a while then all of a sudden nothing. Any help would be appreciated.

Dave

[Ducky_Sota]

Do you happen to notice the weather when it is not working? Is is usually damp or rainy the days it doesn't work?

[thruhiker]

This happens so often that it has happened in all conditions. If it only happened on wet days I would be able to narrow down the problem but that is not the case. Thanks

[markwb]

Dave, It could be a failure in the ignition switch itself. When you take the ignition switch from run to start nothing happens, but all accessories are operating, correct? If you can locate the leads associated with the ignition sw. that "close in" to engage starter motor, you'll need to take a multimeter in the resistance mode to check continuity of that closing ckt. On the other hand it could also be the VATS security. Is there a resistor pellet embedded in the shank of your ignition key? If so, clean that up real good, then try. VATS will inhibit the startring ckt if all conditions are not set (ie resistor pellet in key not conducting) Those are just a few things that I could think of off the top of my head. Clean the battery terms, the battery leads to the starter & solenoid, both ends etc.