why is my car doing this?

1998 OLDSMOBILE AURORA
V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BFOR1964
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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?
Jun 12, 2011 at 9:28 PM
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FIXITMR
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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.
Jun 12, 2011 at 9:50 PM
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BFOR1964
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Nothing in neutral either. Usually when it doesn't start right away it starts after waiting a few minutes.
Jun 12, 2011 at 10:03 PM
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BFOR1964
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Like turn key, let go,wait a moment, turn key, let go.......
Jun 12, 2011 at 10:05 PM
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FIXITMR
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it's sounds like ignition switch or take test at starter solenoid for voltage when you turn key to start.
Jun 12, 2011 at 10:44 PM
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DANLESABRE
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Does it start when the engine is cold and when the engine is warm/hot there is trouble starting?
Jun 13, 2011 at 5:40 AM
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BFOR1964
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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.
Jun 13, 2011 at 9:34 PM
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DANLESABRE
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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?
Jun 14, 2011 at 3:21 AM
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BFOR1964
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jump starting does not help
Jun 14, 2011 at 9:37 PM
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DANLESABRE
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If you do not notice any bad electrical connections replace the starter.
Jun 14, 2011 at 11:55 PM
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BFOR1964
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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
Jun 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM
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DANLESABRE
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Can you wiggle the battery terminals or are they tight?
Jun 24, 2011 at 1:08 AM
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BFOR1964
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they were a little loose, I tightened them, the same issues exist
Jul 17, 2011 at 5:05 PM
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BFOR1964
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there is a wire loose that looks like it was cut in the steering column coming from the ignition, the car still starts ocassionally
Jul 17, 2011 at 5:07 PM
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FIXITMR
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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.
Nov 10, 2011 at 1:21 AM
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BFOR1964
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I took the cover off the steering column and the car has started every time since, wiring harness issue maybe?
Nov 10, 2011 at 3:55 PM
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FIXITMR
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play with wires and try to make it fail?
Nov 11, 2011 at 3:28 AM