Intermitent starter problem. Occasionally once ignition switch engaged grating sound noo start, then ignition swith rotated agin starter engaged - normal start. As explained intermitemt problem.

Check your ignition switch electrical side
Check the relay
Or the starter motor itself must be playing up

Hello Michael,

Typically PCM's are rather robust components that are not as prone to failure as sensors are. Some automotive electronic components can fail under heat stress and work fine after they have cooled down...like an ignition control module.

As you are experiencing your problem while engaging the ignition switch (which you described as sometimes hanging up) I would start your trouble shooting with the ignition switch itself.

• Ignition starter switch directs current from the fuse panel to other systems in the vehicle
• When not replaced, vehicle may experience no-start, intermittent shut down and/or current will not flow to all systems.

Your vehicle also has steering column lock actuator you will have to deal with when removing the ignition switch for replacement which is rated as "easy"

Search Results for 2005 Pontiac Gand Am ignition switch

I love my Rangers, and it sounds like you need a new starter drive, better know as the bendix. It is cheaper to buy a new starter. As far as the door locks, I would get the starter fixed first and the door lock problem may go away. sounds like the starter is dragging the power down and could cause a number of strange thing to happen. Hope I have help you solve your problem. I think It will.

ANY FAULT CODES? HAVE YOU CHECKED THE STARTE DEPTH FOR PROPER CLEARANCE? HAVE YOU RITIATED THE FLYWHEEL TO LOOK FOR MISSING TEETH? I HAD AN 82 T/A AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED MY STARTER PROBLEMS. AS FAR AS NO SPARK DO YOU HAVE ANY FAULT CODES INTHE ELECTRONICS? TO TEST WITHOUT A SCNNER GO TO THIS LINK

tap on the starter and see if that helps, as it sound like the start is out. hope this helped Tim

It's possible there is a problem with the wiring but more likely the ignition switch. We are not talking about the key tumbler but the electronic contact base. It either needs to be clean or replaced. You will probably need special anti-theft sockets, wrenches, or screw driver tips to do the job.

If your ignition switch is bad in your steering column, and the starter does not engage when the key is turned forward, then this is a quick fix for you.
BE SURE THE BATTERY IS DISCONECTED BEFORE YOU START WIRING. You can run some heave gauge (18 plus, and about 12 feet of it) wire to the top mount and the rear mount on the starter solenoid (one end of the wire to each, making a loop) Run the wire into the interior of the truck, and then install a toggle switch in the loop of wire. You will still have to turn on the key to engage the motor, but it will not start until you flip the toggle. That should get you by until you can replace the ignition switch in the column.

Have you checked for burnt wires on ignition switch.Had a problem like this once before had to replace ignition switch.

sounds like starter solenoid,try cycling the ignition on start on start repeatly but do not go back to the off position off on start will activate the fuel pump repeatly and might flood it,with a faulty solenoid you can usually cycle the ignition repeatly and it will finally engage the starter

The ignition coil can't do what you describe.

It almost sounds as if you have some broken teeth on the flywheel that the starter engages.

I would remove the starter, loosen or remove the spark plugs to relieve compression, then have someone turn the engine byhand while peering into the bellhousing with a flashlight where the starter mounts and inspect the flywheel for damage.

With a tooth (or more) worn or broken off, when the Bendix throws the starter gear forward, it may be landing on top of a broken tooth, slipping off, then turning your engine over.
There may be enough tooth even if broken, to stay engaged once the starter has meshed.