Turn key, nothing happens (no starter).

[Paladin]

This is WIERD.

A couple nights back, I had run the Buick for a bit, shut it off, then when I went to turn it back on, nothing. I turn the key, dash lights up, when I turn it forward to start it, the starter doesn't turn over.

Next morning, on my way out the door to work I turn the key in the Buick and it starts right up.

Today, I start it up, run it for a few minutes, then shut it off and change the plug wires. I go to start it up again, same thing happens, I turn the key and the starter doesn't engage.

So off the top of my head, things I think to check are the neutral safety switch, ignition switch, and the starter itself. Now I don't know where the starter motor is on this car, I couldn't spot it by looking around, and what I'd like to do is bypass the ignition (turn the car on, then kick over the starter manually) to see if the starter motor is ok. Then I'd move on to the 2 other things, I'll check Gnttype.org for wiring diagrams so I can see if theres a way to test the ignition switch, and last but not least, see if anybody knows where the neutral safety switch is.

Anybody got an idea? I remember someone referring to a 'no-start' diagnosis procedure by Turbojim, but I couldn't locate it...

Thanks,
Sam

 

[turboscott]

It sounds like the starter is gone to me. I had a regular regal when Iw as younger and it had the same problem. I may be wrong but I would say replaing the starter should solve the problem. I never had to replace the starter on my GN but if I remember correctly it is on the bottom half of the engine on the passenger side. I have done a lot of starters to a lot of different cars so there is a chance I could be getting it confused with another kind of car. Hopefully someone else can confirm my theory.

 

[Paladin]

I'm thinking it's on the bottom side of the engine as well, I checked the photo-guide on Gnttype but from the top down I can't spot it on the actual car.

Any way to test the starter? If you've swapped them out before, you've gotta know a way to test it. Pardon my ignorance, but is there a way to short something out per say to turn the starter and make sure it is in fact DOA?

Sam

 

[striker_29]

Yeah its on the passenger side, on the bottom, at the flywheel. Sounds like the solenoid is going out, try tapping on the starter with a screwdriver or something next time it happens.

 

[Paladin]

Fixed it!

Well, temporarily at least. Jacked the car up then whacked the armature and the starter with a wrench, started right up. New starter is only like $40 at NAPA so I'll be heading there next.

Sam

 

[scottyb]

Re: Fixed it!

Originally posted by Paladin
Well, temporarily at least. Jacked the car up then whacked the armature and the starter with a wrench, started right up. New starter is only like $40 at NAPA so I'll be heading there next.

Sam

I bought mine there too, but have since heard that Auto Zone's is 30 clams AND a lifetime guarantee.