'95 Grand Am -- Turn Key and Nothing

[cbjreutzel]

Something is seriously wrong with my car. 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. I put the key in and turn the ignition...eerie silence. Radio doesn't turn on, dome light doesn't turn on, nothing. I try a bunch of times, nothing. The electric locks still work though. Sit and wait in car, hear a clicking noise. Try again, starts up. The next day, the same thing! What is going on? Please help. Thanks.

[curtis73]

Two things to check.

1- make sure the battery terminals are on tight. If they're not they'll provide enough trickle of juice to run things like locks and lights, but when you try to hit the starter it will act like a dead battery.

2- Where are the clicks coming from? If its an infrequent problem, your starter might be dying. Next time it happens give the starter a little whack with a wooden or rubber mallet. If it comes to life after that, its a bad starter.

3- Are you sure its just not a dead battery; either because its old or the alternator isn't charging?

Take it to a big chain parts store. They'll test it for free. They have a little meter that walks them through several steps to determine what is wrong with the electrical system.

[cbjreutzel]

Hi. I should have stated that...we took the starter in and it was fine. Also have changed the battery out and it's not the problem. As for the click...it just sounds like it's coming from the dashboard I think. I've only heard it a couple of times, so I'll have to see if I can locate it. Any other information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[travie5500]

well did you try to charge your battery?? maybee? that would help?

[cbjreutzel]

The battery I changed it out to was in my husbands car and was charged just fine. Thanks.