1997 Pontiac Sunbird Turn the key and the nothing happens,

1997 PONTIAC SUNBIRD
120,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PISTOLAGRANDE
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My son's car won't start. You can turn the key and nothing happens. It seems to have plenty of battery power, the lights are bright, and the accessories all work, but the engine doesn't even crank. I know older car had starter relays, but I don't know if newer ones still do, or even where to look. Any suggestions?
May 19, 2010 at 11:04 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Shift it into neutral and try it. May be a neutral saftey switch.

Try rapping on the starter while someone holds the key in the crank position. Does it start?
May 19, 2010 at 11:26 AM
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PISTOLAGRANDE
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Ok, I just went out to try that, and the THEFT light is now on. What causes that to come on and how can I get it to turn off.
May 19, 2010 at 11:41 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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You need a scanner to retrieve the codes. First I would try a different key. IF nothing changes you need to get the codes.
The troubleshooting charts all seems to narrow this down to a bad IPC-instrument panel cluster, ignition passlock cylinder, wiring issue or an ignition switch.
May 19, 2010 at 12:03 PM