Why might a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am not start even after you put in a new starter?

Answer 1

It's never a good idea to just replace parts in hopes that a problem will go away. You have to find out which part isn't working. It could be someting as simple as the neutral lock-out switch, the keyswitch, a bad connector or wire or who knows what. Get a volt meter. Check voltage at the starter. The BIG wire should always have 12 VDC. Depending on how many small wires go to the starter, one should be from the keyswitch, sending a signal to the solenoid that engages the starter. Have someone try to start the engine while you test for the presence of voltage. If you get nothing when you turn the keyswitch, check the neutral lockout. Get out from under the car, (it might start while you try this, and it could cause problems if it is in gear) Hold the keyswitch to start while you move the gear shift lever. If you get a point where the starter kicks in, you have an alignment problem with the neutral switch. Track down the points where you still get keyswitch voltage to the starter. Find out where it isn't working and repair or replace the appropriate parts.

Answer Two: I spent most of the day trying to bypass the GM Passlock in my '96 Grand Am. Reason: it would not start for me about one out of 10 times and the Theft Sys light would come on. After waiting 10 minutes, it usually would start, but obviously a hassle. I followed instructions to the "T" on the web to bypass the system, but after placing a new resistor between two leads in the steering column, the engine would start, run for 2 seconds and stall.

I finally retreated to taking the resistor out, and the engine did the same thing! I had a car that would start for two seconds and die, with the Theft Sys light blinking.

The manual was no help. But thank God for the internet where I found a passing comment by someone that made it work. If this is your problem:

1. Attempt to start the car, let it stall, but DO NOT turn the key off! Leave it in RUN.

2. Wait 10 minutes or until the Theft Sys light glows steady instead of blinking.

3. Do not turn the key off, but start it immediately.

4. This should reset your Passlock system.

I would have given big $$ to have read this column this morning. Would have saved many hours