A couple of times a week, I'll turn the ignition key and nothing will happen - no starter noise, nothing. After I turn the key 8-10 more times, with the same non-result, I'll turn it once more and the engine will start fine. Will then work fine the next few days, then the same thing again - always starts eventually. It's not that the engine won't turn over, there's no noise at all, then it starts fine. My mechanic found that the battery was leaking, replaced it, but still had the same problem. He tested the starter and it tests out OK, Any ideas? Thanks.
It could be the park/neutral switch, next time it doesn't start try wiggling the shifter in park while turning the key, or shift to neutral and see if that will work. if that doesn't change the problem I would replace the ignition switch.
Have your ignition relay checked
SOURCE: 1998 Saturn SC2. For
There are many problems that could cause this issue. Your electrical system might have a drain somewhere -- maybe your alarm is malfunctioning (if you have one), or maybe a wire in the engine has somehow become damaged, grounding the system and discharging your batter at a slow rate. If your battery has been completely discharged before (completely dead) it might not be holding a charge like it should. Your alternator might not be charging the batter like it should while you drive, causing your battery to drain constantly and never recharge automatically like it's supposed to. It could be something more complex in your car's computer or electrical system.
The easiest way to check this is to go to a mechanic with an electrical system checker. Sears Auto Canter has all of the equipment, and charges a reasonable rate for checking your electrical system. Their equipment checks, no only the battery, but the whole electrical system for power drains, and the effectiveness of your alternator. If there is a power drain, Sears Auto can find it -- and they can help replace what is broken. They can also check the health of your battery itself (if it is not holding a charge, you can get a new one there). If it is not that, at least you have eliminated one possible cause.
If the car will start when jumped, it is most likely an issue with which Sears can help. If the car is still not working when attached to another car's battery or a jumper battery, then the problem is a bit more serious. In this case, a professional mechanic can inspect the car and find the issue, or at least give you a cost estimate, so you know if it is worth fixing.
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Is it cold? could have water in the starter solenoid. as you keep cranking it your heating with electricity this will cause nothing to happen and then suddenly start. just a thought.
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