Pontiac Repair: Will not turn over, purple wire, floor shift

Question
I have a 2002 Grand Prix.  I changed the battery because it was dead.  Now the lights and radio etc comes on but the car will not start.  I had been having trouble with the ignition swtich not wanting to come out of steering column but now know how to use the release under it to get the key out.  Can this be related?  Any suggestions on why it will not start?

Answer
Hey Chris:

That vinatge Grand Prix had issues with the elcetical part of the ignition switch and that could be the problem that the 2 issues you have here are related.do the PRNDL lamps on the soeedo light up? if not that is a sure indication that you have an ignition switch issue. If not you could have a problem with the shifter on the floor if this is a floor shift car for the key that is not the no crank. As for the no crank you could have an issue with the connections at the battery especially if the old battery had acid leaking out of it the cables could be corroded causing an issue with high resiatnace and that is why it will not crank over.. I would turn the key to "crank" and check the purple wire at the starter it should have the same volatge at what is at the battery if not then you have to trace you loss of volatge back up into the engine compartment and into the car.. If it has battery volatge on the purple wire and still not crank check the (+) red cable at the starter it should have battery volatage as well if you have battery volatge on both wires and no crank the starter is bad. good luck :)