Question I have a 1998 Olds Intrigue with approximately 52,000 original miles. Performed wonderully over the years except for one thing that happens every couple of weeks or so. I turn the key to start and nothing happens-no turning of engine, no starter engaging,etc. But I do have lights and my gauges move when I turn the key. After about 20 minutes or so the engine turns over like nothing ever happened. One shadetree mechanic suggested changing the starter but he didn't seem confident in that conclusion. I don't want to start spending tons of money on changing everything until we happen to change the right part. What can I do?
AnswerHello Ray,
I totally agree with you that the expensive art of conclusion jumping is not the best idea.
I love testing till I find the real problem, and then replacing only what is needed to correct it. I will sometimes even reinstall the problem part to verify that it was indeed the problem.
On yours, I would be wiggling connections like on the neutral safety switch, battery, and starter solenoid.
Then a test light connected and probing the small terminal on the starter solenoid to see if battery voltage is being applied by the ignition switch to the solenoid.
If voltage is present, sometimes a light tap on the starter will make it engage, and if that happened to be the case, a replacement starter may be the best insurance.
If no voltage is present, following the harness back through connections, to the ignition switch, and neutral switch till you find where it isn't getting through.
Van
