1998 Pontiac Grand Am Dropped Dead!

1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
200,024 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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OPN311CEEZEN
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  • 1 POST
:Starter Issues:
I was out taking care of business (like any normal day!) and had shut the car down roughly three times, and after i went back to the car to start it for the fourth time, it wouldnt engage the starter, car had full dash lights and its a brand new battery I just bought that morning but, typical things would go out as it was in the start position, so I got uder the hood and took off my air intake. I found a loose wire, stripped it and re-attached it, but still nuthing, if I take and jump the solenoid from the battery, and if no engagement then the starter is bad? But if the starter kickes then it could either be the relay that was installed due to GOV'T recall, to keep the car from catching fire, maybe it could be the ignition, or my last resort is gonna be the neutral safety switch. how would I be able to test the theories and come up with a solution?
Feb 11, 2010 at 9:57 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Start with the small wire on the starter, see if it has power with a test light when key is in crank position.If so starter is bad.You can also try starting it in neutral, if the Neutral switch has a bad spot in park, they will sometimes start in neutral. Try that and get back to me with the results
Feb 11, 2010 at 3:40 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
At the transaxle switch disconnect the P/N switch connector and -Have helper hold key at start position -check for power at the yellow wire if power is present jumper the connector this will power the purple wire to the starter -no power at the starter solenoid purple wire the P/N switch is open- If power present at the solenoid-starter is defective Now if there's no power at the yellow wire at the P/N switch the ignition switch is defective


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Feb 11, 2010 at 3:55 PM
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