1973 Chevy Caprice car only starts when it wants.

1973 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
66,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SAMMY LOU
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After pushing past 85mi per car would have trouble starting. So I replaced the plugs wires , starter, and battery. The car cranked I went for a test drive made a stop got back in the car it would not crank. everything works horne, lights, radio but the car will not make a sound. I come back a few days later car cranks right up. I drive it home shut it off same thing again, will not crank up not a sound but everythig works. a few days later car cranks right up I stop it and start it stop it and start.Go in the house wait a few hours come ou to take to a shop. car will not crank will not turn over nothing, but everything works. let it sit for a few days it will crank and rides fine but once you shut it off nothing.
Oct 30, 2010 at 1:06 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
Hi sammy Lou. Welcome to the forum. Sounds typical of a rusted / sticking starter solenoid but this can also be caused by an intermittent neutral safety switch. Usually the neutral safety switch works after playing with the shift lever, not simply from sitting.

Start by connecting a test light to the "S" terminal on the starter. That is one of the small wires. You can connect the ground clip lead to that terminal, then ground the probe up on top so you can see it from inside the car. If it does not light up when you turn the ignition switch to "crank", suspect the neutral safety switch.

caradiodoc
Oct 30, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.