98 gtp will not start sometimes

[quinch2005]

I had this problem before and I thought I fixed. Sometimes I goto start the
car and all I get is all the lights and instrument panel working as usual
and a small noise that may be my fuel pump priming but the engine does not turn over or any thing. I don't have a security sytem with my key. I took my steering column apart and don't have a conector to put a resistor across.
I used a test light from the thick yellow wire under the ignition switch
when the car wouldn't start and found I had no voltage on that wire and was told to test that wire. So I replaced the starter and for a mounth I had no problem than the problem came back. Can astarter go bad that quickly
PLEASE HELP

[BNaylor]

I'm a little confused. Does the engine crank when ignition is taken to start? If the starter isn't doing anything check the 12 volts at the "S" input which is to the starter solenoid. If missing back track to the ignition/crank relay and then the ignition switch.

On the starter, was it OEM/GM or aftermarket?

[maxwedge]

Pretty sure you have the vats in that car, chip in key, does the security lite stay on? Also check for 12v at the purple ? wire at the solenoid when the key is in the crank position.

[richtazz]

In addition to above suggestions, try starting it in neutral (if you don't have power at the s-terminal on the solenoid) instead of park. Your neutral safety switch may be bad in the park position.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by richtazz

In addition to above suggestions, try starting it in neutral (if you don't have power at the s-terminal on the solenoid) instead of park. Your neutral safety switch may be bad in the park position.

Good one Rich, didn't think of the prndl.

[quinch2005]

I was told that the yellow wire was to the solenoid !
I bought the starter on line at autowarehouse.com

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by quinch2005

I was told that the yellow wire was to the solenoid !
I bought the starter on line at autowarehouse.com

The color coding may be different so do not depend on that.

Basically, there are two wires of concern going to starter. One smaller one that goes to the starter solenoid and the bigger black or red one that is starter B+ which is hot at all times since it is just about connected directly to the battery.

To check solenoid 12 volts input the ignition switch must be held to start.

BTW - The proper term for the park/neutral switch mentioned is Transmission Range Switch.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

The color coding may be different so do not depend on that.

Basically, there are two wires of concern going to starter. One smaller one that goes to the starter solenoid and the bigger black or red one that is starter B+ which is hot at all times since it is just about connected directly to the battery.

To check solenoid 12 volts input the ignition switch must be held to start.

BTW - The proper term for the park/neutral switch mentioned is Transmission Range Switch.

Come on Bob, everyone knows it's " prindle".

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Come on Bob, everyone knows it's " prindle".

I like Pringles. Pretty tasty.

All I understand or know when it comes to trannies are: A833, A727, TorqueFlite, M21, M22, <--Rockcrusher, TH350 or TH400, etc.

[richtazz]

I try using common terms, PRNDL switch and transmission range switch are newer terms not all people recognize. I agree with you Bob, The older trans were so much simpler. These newer tranny's are some sort of voodoo science as far as I'm concerned.