1996 Oldsmobile Aurora Car sometimes doesn't start or even

1996 OLDSMOBILE AURORA

95,854 MILES • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC

1996 AURORA

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2 POSTS
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I have a 1996 Olds Aurora that sometimes doesn't start or even turn over. At first I thought it might be the battery. Replaced the battery and the problem still happens. I have also so far replaced the starter, and even the ignition key switch. Sometimes, I can go whole month without any problem starting. When the problem does occur, I'll turn the key switch and not a sound. If I wait about an hour, it'll start right up. When the problem does occur, I have noticed that if I turn the keyswitch and just hold it in the starting position for about 5-8 seconds, all of a sudden it starts, but during those 5-8 seconds the engine doesn't even crank or turn over, complete silence and then boom it starts.
When I experience this starting problem, if I wait at least an hour or two, it will start right away. I have never had a situation where it didn't start at all as long as I let it sit for an hour or two. I have brought the car to my local GM dealer, and they haven't been able to diagnose what is causing this problem.

Mar 6, 2010 at 3:25 AM

LEGITIMATE007

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
5,121 POSTS

I think you have a simple connection problem, i would like you to check the cables from the battery to the alternator, for loose connections and corrosion, also, try starting your vehicle in neutral and let me know if it starts with no problem

Mar 6, 2010 at 11:52 AM

1996 AURORA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks legitimate007 for your advise. I did try starting the car in neutral and it started up with no problem. The positive battery connection at the alternator is a bit difficult to get to without putting the car on a hoist, so I will check the tightness as soon as I can. The negative cable from the battery to where this cable connects to the body for ground is only about 11 inches long, and the bolt that provides this connection wasn't super tight, but I was able to tighten it just a tad.

One other detail that seems to bring about this problem is that if I listen to the radio in the car with the engine off with the key switch turned to the accessory position for 20 - 30 minutes, about 7 out of ten times, this will cause the car not to start. If I come back in about an hour or so, it'll fire right up. I'm beginning to also suspect that there is a bad connection somewhere.

The Delco spec battery for this car has a reserve capacity of 90 minutes, so listening to the radio for 20-30 minutes shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks again for your reply.

Mar 15, 2010 at 5:45 AM

LEGITIMATE007

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
5,121 POSTS

yeah, your telling me,,(about the battery amps) I think they are over rated and drop below the mark first few times you use it, anyway, if the car starts in neutral ,then thats your neutral safety switch, it needs replacement.

Mar 15, 2010 at 7:09 AM

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