Thanks fro the input. I still have not fixed mine. It works most of the time and I haven't had the time or money to devote to it yet. Did ask the dealership here about it and they want about $120 to troubleshoot it which they say will be taken off the bill. After checking grounds, nuetral safety, and a lot of tinkering I have been leaning towards it being the key or switch. Was gonna try a key first b/c it is cheaper and I can always use a spare one. I will post to this thread until I get it fixed. Just may take a while...........

 

I checked my key as well. If your model uses a standard key (without computer chip) it more than likely is not the key. If it was a key issue, you'd get some type of security light on your dash when it would not crank. I tried using my spare when it stranded me and it changed nothing.

By far one of the more aggravating car issues I've ever had. Especially when some random thing will make it crank and the mechanic deems it a loose cable or something to get out of trouble shooting it. The dealership I took mine to charges an $85 diagnostic fee but waived it since they couldn't/didn't find what was wrong. The dealership should be used to dealing with this issue by now.

 

Been a while but wanted to post that my issue has been resolved. In my case it was the starter, even though it had tested OK. Think it is actually in the starter solonoid since I did pull the starter and took it to a shop where they took it apart and tested it. Changed it about a month ago and it has been fine ever since.

thanks for all the help/suggestions.

 

Hey Guys, I'm new to this site. I've been looking for a solution to the same problem. After the last post where a starter fixed the problem after it tested good I figured I should weigh in. Same problem on mine, I also replaced the starter and solenoid. It worked fine for about a month, now the problem is back. Here is a checklist I will be working through based on everything I have read here and on other sites...

Check Ign1 fuse
Switch or replace Run/crank relay
Check wire from battery to fuse box
Check that battery cables are tight
Neutral safety switch
Check clicking sound behind glove box when trying to start

That's what I have so far, I will be going through the list today or tomorrow and will post the results.

 

Babs

Here is how I was able to isolate mine if. First I checked my grounds, etc like others on here suggested.
-Also tried to check my nuetral safety switch.

When that didn't help I ran an extra wire from my starter solonoid up into the top of the engine bay. When it would not start I use a starter button ( from advance/auto zone...was about $20 if I remember correctly) and connected from my batt to that wire. This pretty much bypasses all the ignition stuff. When you hit the button it sends power straight to the starter solonoid. If she spins then the starter/solonoid is probably fine. Of course if you want to start it that way....
- Make sure you are in park.
- Put key in the "ON" position.
- Connect it and hit the button....should spin and start up.

I used this to start mine for a while b/c I was waiting until I could test it while it was acting up.

If I understand correctly. When you try to start yours it does nothing? No turn over, no clicks? And it is intermittant?

Good Luck, I know it is frustrating but you will figure it out.

 

Make sure your connections are tight!

 

Thanks for the input. Just to clarify, when I turn the key I don't hear any solenoid clicks, but I do have full power, lights, and the click from under the glove-box. The part that really burns my buns is I went out this morning and it started right up. Now it's virtually impossible to diagnose.

I ruled out fuses since it would not have started. I swapped the ign1 and park lgts relays. One more thing Imposter71, when the car would not start I got under and tried the old jump the solenoid with a screwdriver trick but it still wouldn't start, just sparks. Does that trick still work on the newer cars.... sorry I'm old school. (67 Firebird 400 is my summer toy)

Does anyone know how to check/meter the safety switch? I asked a few questions at my local Autozone and the guys there thought it might be this gizmo behind the ignition switch that engages once the key is inserted. Anyway it's going to be tougher now that it's starting regularly.

 

Sounds a lot like what mine did. I am pretty sure if you get 12v to that solonoid it should spin no matter what..park, nuetral, key on or off, don't think it will matter b/c you are bypassing everything so it should spin...

I could not get to mine with a screwdriver so that is why I ran the wire and remote start button. When we FINALLY pinpointed mine it would not start w/key. Then would not start w/button. All lights on just like you say. Had help so we were able to connect a meter to the extra wire I ran. Turned key and got 12v on that wire so that meant we WERE getting 12v to the solonoid too but no response. Hit button and we got 12v and no response. So it pretty much had to be my starter ( and it was).

Before the wire and remote button mine was so intermittant I could never be sure if I did something that made it work or if it was coincidence. At least when I first used the button I was never stranded. That bought me enough time for it to eventually act up consistantly enough to troubleshoot and pinpoint the problem - since it eventually didn't start with the button either. That was when I had help and the meter handy.......

There are others on here that are much more knowledgeable than I am and someone else may be able to add to this and give you a better troubleshooting procedure or solution. I can only tell you what worked for me.

I like the old ones too. I have a 71 Le Mans. Everyone always thinks it is a GTO ( that is where my username comes from). Like to see a pic of that firebird sometime.

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Thanks for the additional input imposter71. Now that I know the meaning the username is Great! I uploaded a picture album... My Bird. FYI - The reason I didn't get a 69' bird is they start to look like the GTO after 68'... no thanks!

So no new input yet other than the negative battery terminal was a smidge loose. I tightened it for good measure, the wife is afraid to drive it now so it may be a while till I know if it's fixed.

 

So the wife got stuck again in the Tahoe. Switching the ign relay with the parking lights relay did nothing. I had it towed home and as soon as he unloaded it she started right up. With everything I have tried so far I'm thinking maybe ignition switch. Going to try that next.