PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

About 3 months ago I began experiencing a no crank / no start issue. If I cycled the key repeatedly to start I could usually get it to start. After some review I convinced myself it had to be the ignition switch so I removed it, cleaned the contacts (they weren't really that dirty but at 220,000 miles they did have some minor wear marks). Worked great for the last 3 months but now it started again (223,000 miles). I removed the ignition switch again and when I put it back in I could NOT get it to crank no matter what I did. I repeatedly removed, cleaned and reinstalled the switch but nothing worked. Not until I attempted to by-pass the relay in the fuse panel (jumpered pin 30 to 87 with ignition in the run position) - it turned over fine and started.

I was still suspecting the switch so I replaced it and for the last 2 days I had no issues. Leaving work tonight once again, no crank / no start. I figured I could bypass the relay again but this time nothing happened. I could see sparks jump as I bypassed the relay but it wouldn't turn over. Got back in the car and this time it turned over and started.

Also - after it has ran it also appears to start fine. Once it has sat for 15+ minutes goes back to no crank until I try to defeat the relay - won't crank jumpered but get back in the car and it cranks fine.

I'm going to get out my multimeter now and start checking for voltage at the relay. I did swap two of the relays but that had no effect. I don't think it's the ignition switch - maybe a loose connection but I don't understand why shorting the relay pins enables it to start but won't crank the started when jumpered?

I figured it out!
After a little more review on these boards and due to the fact that shorting the relay pins was not engaging the starter, coupled with the highly scientific method of banging on the starter solenoid enabling the car to start I determined it must be the starter. It must have been a cooincidence that cleaning the ignition switch seemed to make the problem go away. Whatever the case it has started reliably since I installed the new starter. Real test will be tonight after work - it's -4 out in MN.