Cadillac Repair: 1995 Cadillac starting problem, negative battery cable, neutral safety switch

Question
Bill,I am having starting problems with my 95 Seville [ Northstar ]. This only happens from time to time. When I turn the key I hear a single click coming from underneath the hood. I replaced the starter and selonoid. I cleaned the battery terminals and checked the relay.The battery is good and when this happens the car will not start for at least a day. Also when I turn the key the dash lites all come on and work properly. Do you have any suggestions on what else I could check on ?

Thanks,Ron  

Answer
Hi Ronald, If it is acting the same way before as after the starter replacement then I would think the starter is good. Check the negative battery cable where it bolts to the engine. They like to corrode or loosen up and then it doesn't start as well. There is a 12ga purple wire by the RH/rear valve cover. If you unplug it when the engine won't start and eithor put a 12v test light or voltmeter there when holding the key in the start position and if less than battery voltage or the light doesn't light then it might lead you to adjust or replace the neutral safety switch on the transmission. Intermittant problems like these are tough to track down. It could be the start enable relay going bad or a PASS KEY problem and through further testing while it is acting up you will be able to see what componant is not working. Hope that helps. Bill