Starter doesn't work all the time

Tiny
GOOTY805
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL1
When I try to turn the car on from the ignition it hardly works. When I directly start it from the starter it starts right up. I turn the ignition key on and everything's normal I turn it to start the vehicle and there is no clicking noise and the power is normal it just doesn't click, turn or nothing. I replaced the ignition switch in the back and it's still the same. Can you help me out?
Monday, October 27th, 2008 AT 4:21 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
There are a couple things that can cause this but most likely this park neutral switch as failed if you are able to start the engine by jumping the starter.

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

Basically, this switch will prevent the starter from engaging unless it is telling the PCM that the vehicle is in park or neutral.

There is an adjustment procedure I attached below and if that does not work then we need to check voltage going in and out of the switch and if there is nothing coming out, then you need to replace it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I attached the wiring diagram as well. Please run through this and let us know what you find. Thanks
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Thursday, October 21st, 2021 AT 8:11 AM

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