My car won't turn over when I try to start it. The starter is good, could it be a wire somewhere? Which one?

Question

I have power to everything, and nothing happens when I turn the key to start the car. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT is the make and model

Radio works, power windows work lights don't dim. "nothing happens" meaning when I turn the key nothing. no trying to engage or anything. I tested out the starter and it's a good working starter. I think it's a wire somewhere, just not sure which.

Answer 1

Do you have an alarm system on this car? If so it could be that.....or it could be the ignition switch or the purple wire from the ignition switch to the starter. It's not getting 12 volts when tryng to start. Good Luck

Answer 2

"Nothing happens"? Does the accessory switch position work (can you play your radie?). Do the lights dim when you try to start the car? If both answers are yes, you've probably got a bad starter. If the answer is no, you may have a bad switch or wire connection.

Check your ground cable first as that is usually the culprit. Look at the negative terminal of the battery, remove the cable and clean it thoroughly (Coca Cola works - really!). Then reinstall the cable and try again. If that doesn't work, and the battery is fully charged, you're looking at some wiring problem somewhere, which will cost some money to have diagnosed. Good luck!

Answer 3

What you need to do first is.With a test light find the S termanel on the starter solniod.You need to check if there is power to the S termanel when you are atempting to start your car.If ther is power the starter is the problem.

Answer 4

you could have a bad starter or a wire some where is not connected, either is a viable possibility.

Answer 5

Neutral safety switch? (automatic)
Clutch pedal switch? (Stick)

Answer 6

ignition switch.