Dome light was strong, but the car did not try to turn over?

RANDYWEAKS

MEMBER
2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

A kid in my youth group bought a car about a month ago. It is a Pontiac Grand Am. I think maybe a 2000 with 175,000 miles. Before he bought it the family had the oil changed, the transmission flushed, put on a new belt, bought a new battery. Today, when we tried to start the car, the lights seemed strong, the radio was playing fine, the inside dome light was strong, but the car did not try to turn over. Any thoughts?

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 AT 10:18 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Even though the lights and radio comes on, it might not have enough power to crank the engine.
Did the engine make any noise. Did it click?

First try jump starting the car. If you are able to jump start it then it is a faulty battery.

If it does not jump start then you could have an issue with the starter to starter relay.
First check the relay see if its getting power. The relay is located in the junction box under the hood.
The relay can be tested as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

https://youtu.be/dCjmRL3p4Cs

Another possibility is a faulty ignition switch. When a switch goes bad you will get no noise or any sound when you turn the key.

I have attached the starter and the ignition switch replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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