My '98 Buick Regal won't start randomly but fires right up when it does. randomly when you turn the key to start it does absolutely nothing. No warning lights or clicks - absolutely nothing. All the regular dash lights and the seat belt warning beeps come on like normal in accessory position. If i rapidly continue to try to start it , it will eventually start. Sometimes after 20 turns sometimes it takes over 100. The dealer said it needs a whole new steering column and ignition bevause some kind of security switch is bad. Any help??

I ran into this problem w/a 98 GS. One branch of the ignition switch was not making contact because the switch, which is plastic, melted around the terminal and created an intermittent contact. To verify the problem. go to the fuse box & run a jumper wire from the hot side of the directional fuse to the hot side of the windshield wiper fuse. This will feed power to the circuit that the switch isn't powering. If this gives you 100% reliability, replace the switch.

It dosent need a new steering column. But It very well may need an ingnition position sensor. It is a sensor that identifies what position the key is in. Obviously if it was malfunctioning it would not recognize you have the key in the start position, and when it does it suddenly fires. I had a 95 Regal that had the same problem, not a cheap one but pretty necessary.

98 Buick Regal GS...I've been having the exact same problem with starting...Also when not starting when I put the key in the accessory position with all the auxiliary lights in the dash displayed I cannot shift the car out of park? Would this be the same issue with the ignition position sensor?? Thanks!