94 Regal GS 3.8, multiple starting issues

[Katsino]

In my Regal I have run the gambit on ignition problems, and now has a new one:

In the past 4 years of ownership I have had trouble with and/or replaced the alternator, battery three times, VATS security system with the chip in the key ( a problem seemingly every 94 regal owner has had.) I was able to get the car to consistently start over the last 6 months or so, but now I've encountered a new problem.

About a week before it stopped working, it began giving me the problem that seemed to be the same issue of the VATS system not recognizing the chip in the key, which I had previously solved simply by using the spare key. Basically you could turn the key to "On" and receive normal dash lights, dome lights, headlights, etc., everything operating normal, but when you turn the key to crank the engine it just doesn't crank. If you try a few more times, eventually it would just start. Like I said I fixed that by simply using the spare key, proving the other key was just bad. Couple weeks ago the same problem began occurring, and I assumed it was the key going bad again, and I put up with it for a couple weeks just persistently starting the engine and eventually working, but now it won't work at all, no matter what. I've tried both keys, neither work. The last time the motor responded to the key, it turned very very sluggishly for a couple seconds and then simply stopped. Since then it has not started once, with many many attempts. My question is, is the sluggish turn-over and now no turn-over whatsoever an indicator of a bad starter? I have not replaced the starter in all my ignition problems, I'm hoping that it's the problem and I dont have to kill myself tracing miles of wires. Would the sluggish turn-over and now no turn-over mean the starter?

[Katsino]

Bump... I need help!

[richtazz]

It could be the starter is dragging, the battery is weak/corroded cables, bad neutral safety switch, or a VATS issue. You can test to see if the starter is receiving voltage at the "s" terminal on the solenoid when the key is turned to the crank position. If it is, then you can rule out the VATS and neutral safety switch issues and it's time to have the battery and starter checked.. If it isn't , also make sure you hear the fuel pump cycle when the key is turned to the run position. If no fuel pump cycle, then it sounds like another VATS issue (it kills both power to the starter and to the fuel pump). If the fuel pump cycles, but no power to starter "s" terminal, it could be a neutral safety switch issue, so try starting it in neutral instead of park. If still no signal to "s" terminal, you need a neutral safety switch.

[Katsino]

Hey man that's exactly what I needed! Thank you so much for your thorough response. Cheers!

[HotZ28]

In addition to the aforementioned, don't forget to have the battery tested under load!