What would cause a car not to start intermittently?

Question

I have a 99 grand prix GTP and this is what’s going on. It started last week where sometimes if I turn the key the car will not start. Now, all he lights come on, radio, etc so I know it’s not the battery but when I turn the key it just won’t do anything. I do hear the full pump engage but what I can’t figure out is that If I keep trying to start, buy taking the key out and reinserting and turning it, sometimes it will start and then it goes back to the same non start problem…I would think if it was the starter then it would not start at all but then if it’s the ignition switch, why does it still start sometimes?? Can’t figure out what else it could be…any feedback would be greatly appreciated…

Answer 1

Chances are the spark plugs are bad. If it does not catch a spark the car won't start up. Would explain why it does sometimes, since the plugs may not be completely bad, just wearing out. Easy fix on most cars.

Answer 2

Car Starts Intermittently

Answer 3

I would suspect two things. One is the starter, sometimes they may get a dead spot or not work when hot, I have even poured water on a starter to cool it and then it would work. The other, I not sure, but, if your key has a chip, it may possibly be going bad. $100-200 to replace and it is a dealer item. This all I can say for now, will think more.

Answer 4

Try this. If the starter has a bad spot on the armature. That means the brushes are not making contact. Could be the brushes are worn out.
While holding the key to the start position, have some-one hit the starter from below with a hammer. If it starts, then the starter is bad.... Master tech

Answer 5

I had a car do this and mine turned out to be a bad spot on the
armature of the starter. When it would hit that bad spot, it would
not even click. I would get the starter tested.

Answer 6

i had a simulair problem and for mine it was the ignition switch/key i have to jiggle the key when turning if it gives me problems and itll start right up. starter could be it to, but an often overlooked componet is the solenoid, make sure all the connections are tight.

Answer 7

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Yes But some cars have the radio on the same circuit as othr things. it usually says it on the fuse panel even though the radio is not playing when the car is off dosent mean its not drawing power.

Answer 8

. Are the battery terminals tight? ( the lights heater etc will still work if the battery terminals are not very tight )The leads to the starter motor solenoid tight also ? Maybe it is the starter solenoid working intermittently , it does happen .

Answer 9

I had the same problem with my Beretta. Now the damn switch is so ****** up I have to pull a fuse to shut the damn thing off. Then pull the battery cable so I don't drain the battery. I bet you need a new ignition switch.

Answer 10

this happened to my car already. it was the starter caused by heavy keychain attached to the ignition key. the mechanic explained that cuz of the weight, the shape inside had changed. so i used my duplicate keys. it worked a couple of months and so i still had to change the starter.