gmchevy

hi everyone

i'm still having trouble starting my 2003 malibu 3.1 v6 auto and hope you can help..

problem
car won't start - when i turn the key, its complete silence

NO Thefts Lights blinking
don't hear starter doing anything
moved through all different gears and tried to start it and made no difference
can hear the fuel pump come on
instrument cluster dash lights come on
battery charged 12.48Volts
will not start with a 500Amp portable battery pack
put in new battery and didn't make a difference

update on car
put key in position 2
connect leads on starter solenoid via screwdriver
engine runs for 3 sec and shut off

better news
put key in position 3 (ie start the car)
car makes no noise (ie back to my original problem - see above)
put key in position 2
connect leads on starter solenoid via screwdriver
ENGINE STAYS RUNNING!!

so what could the problem be?

kevinkpk

The solenoid issue with screwdriver start sounds typical GM starter solenoid issue, they get hot, and the contactor/disk burn. I've sanded down many of these in my time. Now, since it dies at time, plus the no startsounds like security issue, both those point to the ignition switch.