Signs of an ignition problem?

[curlesw]

Something strange is happening and I would appreciate any suggestions on the potential cause of the problem. The P-car had been sitting for about a week and upon starting this morning I got the “click” with power to the dashboard lights but the car did not turn-over. Tried again and the car started no problem, ran great. In the afternoon, same thing happened 3 times in a row and finally the car started…ran great. Get hone, turn the car off and try to restart it and it happens again twice but finally starts.

Previous work to the car includes:
- new plugs, wire, rotor, cap about 9 months ago
- new starter about 2 years ago.

Other, maybe unrelated, problem:
- From time to time I am unable to turn the key…something seems “stuck” but it finally gives…usually happens about every 3-4 months.

Any suggestions on what the problem might be? TIA

v/r
Wayne C.
83 SC

[Zeke]

Sounds like your ignition switch is failing. On the stuck deal, do you wiggle the steering wheel a little when the key doesn't want to turn?

[stlrj]

My 86 did the same thing and it was the starter solenoid.

Joe

[jpnovak]

Sounds like the starter solenoid to me.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by curlesw
I got the “click” with power to the dashboard lights but the car did not turn-over.

if you had the "click" at the solenoid then the inner contacts are probably dirty. If it's not a very old starter/solenoid I would either get a new solenoid or attempt cleaning the contacts. The contacts are somewhat self cleaning under general use. I'd disconnect the main starter feed at the starter and then turn the key to start 10-15 times to attempt a self cleaning of the solenoid contacts. That will probably solve the prob.

[curlesw]

Sounds like your ignition switch is failing. On the stuck deal, do you wiggle the steering wheel a little when the key doesn't want to turn?

I do but that does not help...seems unrelated to the wheel (if that's possible)

I'll try cleaning the solenoid contacts and see if that solves the problems...thanks for the suggestions.

v/r
Wayne C.
83 SC

[curiousone940]

A good ignition switch will have smooth, positive action throughout its full range...not mushy, stiff, binding or loose. Sounds to me as if your problem is in the starter solenoid.