Intermittent no start when turning the key in the ignition

JOHN BREWIN

MEMBER
2004 HOLDEN COMMODORE
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

When starting by turning the key in the ignition sometimes it will start and sometimes it will not. The key turns and nothing happens as though it is not connected. What I have to do is take the key out of ignition and try again or put it in neutral and try and between doing that it will start eventually. The starter motor turns over strongly when it catches. Any ideas please?
Thank you.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

First, this vehicle isn't offered in the US, so I have no technical information. However, I will try my best to help.

When this happens and it refuses to start when in park, does it always start when you place it in neutral?

Let me know.
Joe

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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 9:45 PM

JOHN BREWIN

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Hi Joe,

No it does not always start in neutral. I take the key out of the ignition and put it back the other around (desperation) and go back to park and between them it will eventually start. Sometimes you turn the key and it will delay starting and then decide to start. It feels like you may a flat battery but then strongly turns over and starts.
John

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 3:39 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

John,

If it eventually starts when you shift the gears back and forth, it could be the park/neutral safety switch is out of adjustment or bad.

I don't have a schematic to direct you, but are you familiar with what I am indicating?

Let me know.
Joe

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 5:21 PM

JOHN BREWIN

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thanks Joe.

I will check it out with my mobile mechanic guy and see if he knows how to fix it. Very frustrating playing Russian roulette every time you turn the key in the ignition if only I was a rich man as the song says. Cheers
John

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 6:25 PM

4DRTOM

MECHANIC
467 POSTS

Hello,

I can put a little info on this.
This car is a GM product and is sold in the US, I believe as a Pontiac GTO. If you can upload a pic of the body and motor without its cover on it we can probably figure out what exactly it is here and get you the needed diagrams and other information needed to handle your occasional no start condition.
Tom