Car not starting... troubleshooters beware

[00GrandAMFTW]

I just recently (as in an hour ago) started to have a problem with my Grand AM not starting. I found it odd that for the past couple weeks, sometimes I would turn off my car and then turn it on again to find that the car's computer had reset (clock to a weird time and radio off).

Now the problem seems to be getting weirder.... the key position is at off. However, the fuel and temperature gauges are still reading... which leads me to believe that there is still voltage flow to those gauges... when I try to turn my key to acc, the car does nothing. No lights, no fuel pump.... however, I know that the battery is good. I say this because at one point (call it weird) I flipped on my headlights manually and the power was back on, then it started. After that, I turned it off to see if it was a fluke or not, and it was a fluke.

Any ideas? Perhaps a loose wire in the starter?

[cjperotti]

Sounds more like you have a bad ignition switch. I'd replace that.

[rixGAphx]

'00 4cyl, 8-yrs old, about 100k miles?
Manual or auto tranny (not that it matters for this problem)?
I found it odd that for the past couple weeks, sometimes I would turn off my car and then turn it on again to find that the car's computer had reset (clock to a weird time and radio off).There are 2 main computers for your '99+ model of GA:
* PCM (Powertrain Control Module, the engine-tranny 'puter) which illuminates the SES light when it discovers a problem.
* BCM (Body Control Module, which controls lights and other non-engine/tranny, non ABS stuff) and which illuminates the SVS (Service VEHICLE Soon) icon when there's a body-related problem (usually a burned-out headlight bulb).
There's also an ABS module which controls that system alone, and there are also assorted microprocessors that control the Instrument Panel Cluster, the airbags, etc.

Anyhow, the clock is a part of the radio, NOT controlled by the PCM or BCM or other vehicle 'puter.
The radio has its own internal long-life battery to power the clock and presets when the battery is disconnected or the ignition is 'off'.
The battery normally lasts longer, but 8 years isn't too bad.
I haven't been in there, but any stereo shop should be able to replace your failing radio battery.

That is *most likely* an issue completely separate from what you're now experiencing.

I just recently (as in an hour ago) started to have a problem with my Grand AM not starting. Now the problem seems to be getting weirder....
The key position is at off.
However, the fuel and temperature gauges are still reading... which leads me to believe that there is still voltage flow to those gauges...
when I [try to] turn my key to acc, the car does nothing. No lights, no fuel pump....
I know that the battery is good. I say this because at one point (call it weird) I flipped on my headlights manually and the power was back on, then it started.
After that, I turned it off to see if it was a fluke or not, and it was a fluke.
It might indeed be the ignition switch as newcomer CJ suggests, since the GA's switch is notorious for failing in assorted ways.
But I don't think we're ready to shell-out $150+ for this part without a little more analysis.

The GA is also notorious for having problems with the charging system: Battery, alternator, starter (since the alternator connects to the starter solenoid), solenoid, and battery cables.

First, do the battery cable service specified here: http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/faq.php?faq=maint_repair#faq_batt_serv

GA's get VERY wierd when the power isn't pristine.
Turning on the headlights is NOT a good test of the system, since their power is drawn from a little side cable while the vehicle's main power comes from the solenoid.

Secondly, the GA's temp and fuel level gages are kinda wierd, in that it takes no power to keep them at a specific spot on the dial (they aren't like old-fashioned spring-loaded electric gages).
So you may (or may not) have 'power flowing to them', but just looking at the needles isn't a valid test.
* * *

When it 'won't start' in your driveway, please describe what happens when you turn the key to 'start':
* The engine 'cranks' (turns-over) strongly and kinda 'coughs', but doesn't 'fire' (continue to run on its own).
* The engine cranks strongly but doesn't cough or fire.
* The engine cranks weakly, but doesn't start.
* The engine doesn't even crank, but you hear a slight 'clicking' sound from under the hood? If this is so, does the dome light kinda 'dim' when it 'clicks'?
* The engine doesn't crank, and you hear no 'click'?

I know you said "..turn my key to acc, the car does nothing. No lights, no fuel pump."
You'ld be surprised how many people have said 'nothing' but meant "oh, except for that damned clicking" :roll:

Standing by,
-Rick