1993 Sunbird GT

[shylow]

I am having an ongowing problem with this car. When i get in it to start it i find that it just clicks, have replaced the starter. I can try and try to turn it over with the clicks and eventually it will start sometimes taking 20 - 30 tries others none at all and sometimes once or twice. I can cross the terminals on the starter from below with the key turned on and it will start first time each time. I am looking towards ignition switch or something to that description and if anyone else out there has the same problem or knows what it is it would be greatly appreciated. Its a great car and i have just had it painted and dressed but i cant show it off if it doesnt move from the driveway, i have had it to the garage and they told me they cant seem to determine the problem some help eh!...please help!

[Mikes Mechanics]

It sounds as if you have a voltage problem that feeds the solenoid side of the starter. You say you can jump the terminals under the hood and it will start. Do yourself a favor at the small wire on the starter(I think its yellow or purple) hook upp a volt meter and have some one turn the key to start. If its any thing under 11volts. Then you can start looking for the problem. First place to look is under the dash. Find the wires that come off the ignition switch. They start on to of the column about half way down. Check the yellow wire and make sure some one hasnt cut into it for a alarm system. If this turns out to be the problem just reconnect the two ends. If not then venture on and check the bulk head connector. This is the large square connector on the firewall with about 30 wires going to it. There is a bolt in the center of it that when removed the connecter will pull apart. look inside of it for a burned or broken metal connector. Next place to look is the neutral saftey switch that is mounted on the trans under the hood. You will see a connector where the linkage mounts on the trans with about 5 or 6 wires. Check it for corrosion or looseness. Remember what ever it will be it wont be obvious because you are getting a click so that means its not disconnected completely.

One more thing to check is the engine ground. Make sure that you have a good ground to the block and not some bracket on the engine. When you try to start a car with the key everything that uses ground inside will be looking for it. But if your jumpering at the starter then the only thing looking for ground is the starter.

Word of saftey please make sure before jumpering the starter that the trans is in park, because you are bypassing the neutral saftey switch and it will start in gear and run you over.