How can I tell if I need starter?

[maggiemnga]

I have a 94 Grand Am. It has a new computer, new battery posts, and a freshly charged battery. After I installed the battery and got in the car, the interior and dash lights came on and the car binged when I put the key in. But when I tried to start it- NOTHING! No turnover, no ticking, no clicks, no noise. In my repair manual it says that if there is no noise its the starter solenoid. How can I tell if I need a starter or if its the wires or what? Could it be something other than the starter system?

P.S. I''m broke and trying to do this myself AND I need this car for school in 2 weeks! Any help would be really appreciated. I'll take anything!

[maggiemnga]

P.S.S. If my battery is good- why won't the lights come on anymore?

[waytogo13]

had this problem myself....would start for awhile , then not, then 20 minutes later started normally... it WAS the starter, even though a mechanic said it appeared it was DRAWING power... once inside the thing, there was obvious damage inside (88,000 original)

[Toolkitguy]

I believe a lot of these starting problems, where the post says it's the starter, is actually the starter solenoid. When the starter is replaced,
often time the starter solenoid is part of the assembly.
If the ignition switch is turned on and no noise is heard, then the problem is the solenoid.
In my case, I have been having intermittent starting problems for a year. Playing around with the gear shift and ignition switch usually got it started. All this did was pulse the soleniod until it freed up. I know this now because last Friday I was stuck and it would not start at all.
Next morning it still would not start also so I ran a jumper wire from the solenoid coil to the hot side of the battery. I drew a few sparks, but no start. I got out my tire iron and tapped the solenoid from the top
of the engine on the front and back sides of the solenoid and then
tried an ignition start and it fired right up. Now I have to change it
before I get stuck again.

PS, I also have the TCC problem.
Anybody want to buy a 2 dr. 93 Pontiac GA automatic.

[Tom94gaGT]

i had the same problem one night..just nothing and the next morning it started right up. havent had any problems since and thatt was about 2 months ago. Im thinking the cause might be a bad ground wire somewhere or possible the park sensor on your car. I would suggest going out and shifting through the gears and puting it in park, then try starting it. It is possible that when you last put it in park the sensor may still think its in gear or something, either way its worth a try