1998 Saturn Other Having Trouble Starting Battery Fine Connections Been

1998 SATURN

MMSHIELDS2006

MEMBER
50 POSTS

Having trouble starting, battery is fine, connections have been checked. How can you tell if the ignition switch is going out? Sometimes have to wiggle steering wheel to insert key, or it locks up. Also any chance the clutch switch could be going out? How would you check this, it does not show much in the manual that I have. Sometimes it cranks fine and sometimes nothing. No noises not even a clicking noise. Today had to push it off and now its cranking fine. Thank you Margaret

Jan 22, 2013 at 8:08 PM

SATURNTECH9

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
30,869 POSTS

The ignition switch and the clutch switch rarely fail on those cars. Its usually the starter that does the random no starts.I have seen them not start once a month or once a week.You can see if you have power to the purple wire at the starter when it doesn't start with the clutch pushed in and the key in the start position. Or same way and tap the starter while trying to start it.If it starts while tapping it or has power to the purple wire bad starter. I would say its most likely a bad starter I have replaced tons of them for that.

Jan 22, 2013 at 8:33 PM

MMSHIELDS2006

MEMBER
50 POSTS

Thank you so much again for all your help. The starter tested bad and this was the problem as well as a bad battery, all is well again, up and running. Thanks Margaret

Jan 29, 2013 at 3:11 PM

SATURNTECH9

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
30,869 POSTS

Your welcome that's what were here for glad to hear you found the problem.

Jan 29, 2013 at 4:40 PM

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