Car starting problem 1995 Lumina

[JohnAToukatly10]

For the past several months, when I put the key in the ignition...sometimes it turns over and starts and sometimes it does nothing. All the lights go on, radio works, etc...but turning the key does nothing. If I wait 5 mins and keep trying...it eventually turns over like nothing is wrong. No reason, no pattern...just doesn't start when it feels like it. What kind of ignition problem is it?? I took it to the local dealship in Tamarac,FL and they changed the battery, then gave up on it because it didn't NOT START again for them. Said I had to just live with it because it is a Lumina. Help !!

[Airjer_]

All that is left is the ignition switch, PRNDL Switch, or the starter. Next time it does it hold the key in the start position and move the shift lever into neutral. If it fires up I would focus on the PRNDL switch. If nothing happens than it would be handy to have a test light with you to see if your getting power to the starter solenoid (purple wire). If there is power the solenoid is bad. If there is no power than you can work your way back to the PRNDL switch and then to the ignition switch.

Its going to be a pain but eventually you'll get it solved!

[jeffcoslacker]

If nothing else, look down at your starter solenoid...there is a fat short braided copper cable that runs from it to the starter motor directly below it. Wiggle it lightly while someone holds the key over to start. Try the smaller primary wires too...sometimes they can be loose or corroded.

My '97's been doing this randomly for years. Pushing on that cable or giving the solenoid a whack with a hammer always gets it going. It needs a starter, but I'm too cheap to replace things until they completely fail...

[outhwaar]

I'm having EXACTLY the same problem. Did you ever figure it out?

[JohnAToukatly10]

Originally Posted by outhwaar

I'm having EXACTLY the same problem. Did you ever figure it out?

No I have not, went to the dealer and told them the problem and my thoughts on the subject. They wanted $110 to hook up the car to a fancy machine to find the problem but they did that before at another dealership and didn't find the problem but wanted to change the battery, altenator and spark plugs. Funny thing is that why would it start if these were the problem. Even today coming out of the gym, it wouldn't start. Licked the key, wiped it off, jiggled the handle put the key in and out... no luck. There must be some type of timer to reset because when it sits for awhile...it will start for no reason...no correlation to anything..just starts like nothing is wrong. So when it happens... i just wait and try again.
Hope this helps......

JOHN

[outhwaar]

Yes, I have come to exactly the same conclusion. Nothing helps except waiting ten minutes...which works every time. Wierd.

[Artem F]

did you check if +12V comes to the starter relay?
If it doesn't then there's a circuit break on the way from the ignition switch
to the relay. If it does then check the starter.
I had (similar?) problem some time ago and in my case it was a mysterious
theft prevention relay sitting somewhere on the way from the ignition switch
to the starter relay. I ended up with bypassing it since I don't think anybody
will be hunting for this vehicle

[GhostMerc]

There is an electrical bus connector that run from the battery to another part of the car, i found this to be my problem after a long time of trying. At one point, jumping the battery would start the car, but it wouldn't run once the cables were removed.

-new alternator
-new battery
-new ignition module
-new lock cylinder
-new starters