It could be starter, battery, keyswitch, neutral lockout switch or electrical connections.
wires on the starter are criss crossed
more than likely it is your starter telling you "hey bud, yeah its time" My 99 was doing the same thing. Turned out to be a bad starter. Replaced it and took some pics along the way. You can see them at the following link. http://hubpages.com/hub/Starter-Removal-1999-Pontiac-Grand-Prix
To wire the starter on a 1972 Pontiac, connect the battery positive terminal to the starter solenoid's larger terminal. Then, attach the smaller terminal to the ignition switch wire, which activates the solenoid when the key is turned. Finally, ensure that the ground wire is securely connected to the starter's mounting point to complete the circuit. Always consult a wiring diagram specific to your model for any additional details or variations.
If the engine won't turn over when you operate the key that's a pretty good idea. You then check battery condition and connections first. If they are good, then go to the starter and check for good grounding and voltage when the key is turned.
Probably the starter, have someone turn the key to the crank position while you gently tap the starter with a hammer or bar. If it starts change the starter. If not try shorting the starter solenoid to see if that works.
right after I turned the key
A 1986 Ford F150 starter won't stuff off when the key is turned off if the ignition switch is jammed. This will cause the start signal to be sent to the starter continuously.
Besides the smart alec answer "start an automobile", a starter has a small gear, that will both extend as well as rotate when the key is turned. This gear will engage teeth on the flywheel/flexplate, which is bolted to the rear of the crankshaft. As the starter turns, the engine will be turned.
The starter relay feeds power to the starter when the switch is turned to start. The relay will be mounted either on the fender or on the firewall.
A starter in a fluorescent tube is a small device that helps initiate the lighting process by preheating the electrodes inside the tube. When the fluorescent lamp is turned on, the starter quickly closes the circuit, allowing current to flow through the gas and ignite the lamp. Once the lamp is lit, the starter disengages from the circuit, allowing the lamp to operate normally. Starters are typically used in older fluorescent lighting systems, while newer designs often rely on electronic ballasts that eliminate the need for a starter.
If there is complete silence when the key is turned, try tapping the solenoid on the starter with a hammer. Don't laugh. I have found this to be the solution in several cases. This is sure proof that the starter solenoid is the problem. You will want to install a new starter which comes with a new solenoid before you get stranded.
Absolutely not. The starter gear must fully disengage the flywheel gears when you release the starter. Otherwise when the engine starts the starter will continue to be turned by the engine.