Intermittent No-start problem

[Shaner98]

Hi,

I am hoping someone can help me with a problem that has been ongoing for a long time. I have a 1994 Grand Prix with 3.1 that has an intermittent starting problem. I searched through old posts and someone mentioned trying to replace the anti-theft relay. Can anyone tell me where this is located?? I removed the glove box, but the only relay I found was for the blower motor.

What happens is that you will sometimes hear a 'clunk' as the starter tries to engage, but the car will not turn over. The starter has been replaced a couple times, it has a new battery, but the same problem persists. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Shane

[richtazz]

welcome to AF Shaner98

just to clarify, the starter attempts to engage but only clunks?

[tblake]

Hey Shane,

Seperate your battery cable ends and make sure they aren't corroded. When you put them back on, make sure they are tight.

[Shaner98]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, you can hear the starter try to engage but doesn't spin over. All you hear is a clunk or 'clack' The starter has been replaced at least 3 times under warranty over past year, the last time the parts store exchanged it for a brand new one, not a refurb...but the problem persists. All connections have been checked and cleaned. I cleaned the jump post terminal, still no change. I'm just at a loss of what to try next. I saw on another web site someone mentioned could be anti theft relay, so I thought I'd give that a try but am having trouble locating it.

[richtazz]

I would check the positive and negative battery cables for internal corrosion by checking their resistance, and the ignition switch to see if it's out of adjustment.

The anti-theft relay would prevent the starter from even clicking, so I doubt it's the issue.

[rkvons]

What about the switch in the gear shifter? This could be worn out enough to allow enough current for the initial engagement of the starter solenoid, but not sufficient to turn aver the starter. I would jiggle the shifter around while in the "clunked" condition to see if I could get the starter to go. Also, does your dome light get dim or go out completely when the "clunk" occurs? If so, then there is not enough current being delivered from the battery.

[Shaner98]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try moving the shifter around next time it acts up, see if that makes a difference. The lights will dim when you try to engage the starter.