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Why is my car doing this?

Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 OLDSMOBILE AURORA
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
My 98' olds aurora will not turn over. It use to take a few turns of the key in the ignition to get it to start. Most times it just started right up. Today, nothing. Could this be the starter or what?
Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 9:28 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
A few turns of the key? Like off on off on etc? Could be your ignition switch. Or perhaps neutal safety switch. Try starting it in neutral when this happens again.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Nothing in neutral either. Usually when it doesn't start right away it starts after waiting a few minutes.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Like turn key, let go, wait a moment, turn key, let go.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
It's sounds like ignition switch or take test at starter solenoid for voltage when you turn key to start.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Does it start when the engine is cold and when the engine is warm/hot there is trouble starting?
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Monday, June 13th, 2011 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
It use to be times whether hot or cold it would not start on the first attempt. However, if I tried starting it a few times it would either start or I would have to wait a few minutes, try it again and it would start. Now nothing.
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Monday, June 13th, 2011 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Sounds like your starter is worn. When dealing with electric motors, the hotter it is, the more current is needed to achieve the same torque. Since you sometimes have to wait, it is letting your starter cool down so the amount of current provided by the battery can get it to turn with enough strength to crank the engine. This may even be partially the problem. Before replacing the starter, check the electric connections, if there is corrosion, clean it, see if battery terminals can wiggle or are tight, etc. Does jump staring help at all or no?
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Jump starting does not help
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
If you do not notice any bad electrical connections replace the starter.
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 11:55 PM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Today the car started right up! It has just been sitting because I haven't had the time to look at it. The instrument panel does go off occasionally
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Can you wiggle the battery terminals or are they tight?
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Friday, June 24th, 2011 AT 1:08 AM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
They were a little loose, I tightened them, the same issues exist
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
There is a wire loose that looks like it was cut in the steering column coming from the ignition, the car still starts ocassionally
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
When it dont start you need to check it for spark and fuel pressure. I assume dont start means starter spins engine but it does not run.
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Thursday, November 10th, 2011 AT 1:21 AM
Tiny
BFOR1964
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
I took the cover off the steering column and the car has started every time since, wiring harness issue maybe?
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Thursday, November 10th, 2011 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Play with wires and try to make it fail?
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Friday, November 11th, 2011 AT 3:28 AM

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