Wont Start

[Retired Cop]

Good evening. Have this strange problem sometimes when I try to start the engine the starter wont engage. No clicks nothing. The lights on the dash come ok but thats all. After about 3 or 4 tries it starts fine. Seems to do it when it sits for a while. Once it starts it ok. Its not the VAT because it does it with both keys and the security light does not flash. Started doing this when I got it back from the dealer for the SES light repair. Any ideas?? Its a 6 speed and I make sure the clutch is all the way down.

[wooddaniel]

Good evening. Have this strange problem sometimes when I try to start the engine the starter wont engage. No clicks nothing. The lights on the dash come ok but thats all. After about 3 or 4 tries it starts fine. Seems to do it when it sits for a while. Once it starts it ok. Its not the VAT because it does it with both keys and the security light does not flash. Started doing this when I got it back from the dealer for the SES light repair. Any ideas?? Its a 6 speed and I make sure the clutch is all the way down.

I had the same problem with my M6. It would not start with the clutch all the way depressed. Try pushing the clutch while holding the key in the start position and you will find the point where it starts. Some kind of sensor problem if I remember correctly.

[Orcus79]

Take a look at the clutch interlock switch above the peddle. It may have worn out or broken.

[Retired Cop]

ok thanks

[Too Fast]

Another thing to check is battery/battery connections. It is an 8mm or 5/16 socket or wrench. Make sure there is no corrosion at the connections and your battery is strong. Another idea is it could be the starter, sometimes they will get a dead spot but usually you will here it "click" and not crank the engine.

[Retired Cop]

ok I will do the easy one first. I will clean the battery terminals , thanks

[feet739]

I was having the same problem,frusrating isn't it!! It will be 1 of three things there is a 20 dollar clutch actuator,or the switch in the steering column or the ignition lock at the end of it a wire can break or come loose from the tilt steering wheel being moved up and down over the years. Mine was at the end of the ignition lock.Common problem the dealer said.

[Retired Cop]

Died in my front yard. Having it towed in the morning. Have road side assistance that helps the pain.

[purplebat66]

that happened to me and it was the battery terminals, or a wire from the battery terminal is somehow broken.

[Retired Cop]

I hope its something simple. I looked at everything. I did not see anything like that. When I was a kid I installed Diehard batteries at Sears part time so drawing on childhood memories I checked what I knew to check found nothing. I have a feeling its the clutch switch I hope its not the starter. This baby is faaasst!!

[adam0321]

keep us updated. mine did that a few months ago but only once....

[Retired Cop]

The dealer says its the clutch switch. They will install it tomorrow, I will let you know if that's the fix.

[adam0321]

thanks. I had a 1009 trans-am that just on any given day would not start. I think it might have been the key. But who knows I never had a second one to test it against. I never did figure it out just traded the damn thing. thankfully when i traded it it started no problem.

[Retired Cop]

It turns out that it was not the clutch switch. Picked it up a few hrs ago it was the ignition lock at the top of the column

[feet739]

It turns out that it was not the clutch switch. Picked it up a few hrs ago it was the ignition lock at the top of the column

What did they find in the ignition lock.

[wooddaniel]

Where are you retired from?

[Retired Cop]

The service writer said that it was not passing the signal through. It sounds crazy but the problem seems to be solved.

[blackbirdbrain89]

dude mine is haveing the same problem for a while and now im 75% sure my starter went out kit the key and i get a single click... i can bump start the car so that rulls out the vats, the fact that i get one click means its getin to the starter so im hoping its a lose starter

[Too Fast]

dude mine is haveing the same problem for a while and now im 75% sure my starter went out kit the key and i get a single click... i can bump start the car so that rulls out the vats, the fact that i get one click means its getin to the starter so im hoping its a lose starter

Sure sounds like it to me, either a bad starter or a bad connection, by bad connection I mean usually corroded battery terminal(s). Good luck.

[blackbirdbrain89]

nope every things good but im sure the starter took a shit on me