1985 Buick Regal Won't start - bad ignition switch?

CKAISER

MEMBER
1985 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Had ignition switch replaced 2 months ago. Now it won't start again with the same symptoms.

I turn switch to "run", dash lights come on strong and I hear a rapid clicking noise in the engine compartment. I turn the switch to "start" and nothing happens. The sound is still there and the lights on the dash do not dim.

The car is sitting at my sister's house and I'd like to get it home. Is this the ignition switch again? Any way to bypass it so I can get it home? I can't afford to put it into the shop again right now.

Craig

5 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Try to jump start the car. The rapid clicking could be an indication of low battery.
Let me know

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Thursday, August 7th, 2008 AT 12:00 PM

CKAISER

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Tried jumping it, but it doesn't do anything at all. The headlights are strong too, and when I try to start the car, none of the lights dim at all.

The clicking noise starts when the key is turned to the first position, not when I try to start the car, but when I turn the key all the way to start the car, nothing changes, and the sound is still there.

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Thursday, August 7th, 2008 AT 12:24 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Sounding more like the switch. Can you get to the starter? If so put test light on ign side of solenoid small wire have some one turn key to start no light the switch light starter.
Also could be neutral safety switch move selector around try start in neutral.
Did you put switch in? If so and no test light on solenoid switch maybe out of adjustment. Loosen the two nuts push up towards the steering wheel tighten down.

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Thursday, August 7th, 2008 AT 12:32 PM

CKAISER

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Tried starting in neutral. Nothing.

The guy at that shop I took it to put the switch in, and he misaligned the shift pointers, but I did try in neutral and that didn't help.

Sounds like maybe the switch got out of adjustment?

I can't get to the starter because of where the car is, and it's on the bottom of the engine.

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Thursday, August 7th, 2008 AT 12:45 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi ckaiser,

Looks like the igniton switch is faulty again.

With Ignition switch turned to RUN if it gives a clicking noise, you need to be careful.
We don't want the starter to be engaged and not releasing when the engine is running.

Locate the starter wire at ignition switch and apply power to it to crank the starter.