1994 Pontiac Sunbird won't start

1994 PONTIAC SUNBIRD
148,000 MILES
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JEROKHNA
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  • 1 POST
'94 Sunbird 4cyl 2.0l SOHC front wheel drive automatic (I hate transaxles by the way). So at first, I thought the failing part was the neutral safety switch because sometimes it would start, sometimes it wouldn't and all indications pointed to the NSS. Replaced it and properly aligned it. Still won't even try to crank when ignition is turned. Check engine light is on but no codes appear other than code 12 for being in diagnostic mode. There were no indications that the starter was going bad and always started just fine. Just one day, started having trouble turning on in park but started fine in neutral (hence replacing NSS) then drove to work and came out after work to no crank PERIOD. lights, dash, acc. all work but nothing from the starter. No damage to wires or prongs on NSS. Wondering if the ECM died or the starter died without warning? Any help would be fantastic.
Aug 4, 2013 at 3:16 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Until you start testing the circuit and stop just throwing parts at it, you aren't going to know.
The ECM plays no part in the starting circuit of this car.

You can test at the neutral switch for power coming in on the yellow wire and leaving on the purple wire while the key is held in start position.
Aug 4, 2013 at 4:56 AM
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