Turn the key and no crank.

[666_speed]

It's on my '98, I can turn the key forward and I can hear the fuel pump prime, all the gauges light up and do their checks like normal, then when I try to start it it does nothing. The security light isn't staying on so I'm almost certain it's not VATS and I've tried both of my keys with the same result. Any ideas where to start? Thanks!

[wrightz28]

Bad connection, ignition switch or neutral safety be my first intinct.

[666_speed]

That's what mom thought too...I don't think it's the starter because it never had any issues at all, we checked all the fuses to the starter and ignition too and they're all okay. I tried shifting through the gears and back into park and neutral to see if it'd start and it won't. The other day it did this and I got my other key and went out and it started instantly, so I got my normal key set and went to work and it was fine. Came home and it was fine. Parked for the night and now it's at this again.

How do I check those? Thanks!

[wrightz28]

Older models you could turn the key to the run position and put a jumper wire from the battery to s terminal of the starter, if it started you knew your problem was from the ignition switch to the starer (in which the neutral safety is part of). Should work even with the anti theft I believe.

[666_speed]

I bought the neutral safety switch, any idea what so ever where it's located? Thanks again.

[wrightz28]

Usually on the shifter in the console

[666_speed]

That was my guess too, we're gonna take it out now. Thanks Wright, you're my hero btw.

[666_speed]

Well, it's not the neutral switch. How do I check the ignition?

[wrightz28]

Why did you run out and buy one ? Have you checked out the battery, cables and connections yet? Keep it simple first

[666_speed]

All accessories and everything power up fine so I don't think it's the battery. I'll go check those now though! It was only $18, I can always return it

[666_speed]

The connections APPEAR to be okay. We tried jumping the car and that didn't help obviously. Dunno....

[wrightz28]

umm hello, is this thing on?

You are not getting power to the switched side of the solenoid!

Do you have a voltmeter (not the p.o.s. on the dash)

Do you have a means to get to the starter?

[666_speed]

Just waiting on my brother to get home to help push it into the garage.

[wrightz28]

Well,good luck, I'm going home now. REmember, keep it simple.

[666_speed]

I guess I didn't have a big enough hammer! The solenoid was the problem, how simple huh? After a couple huge hits to it it started working. I got a rebuilt one for $20 as opposed to buying the whole starter from Auto Zone for $154.99 because the solenoid is not serviceable and not sold separately. Sorry I'm such a tard and thanks a ton for your help!