Starting Problem

Q: Starting Problem

What could cause a car to not start when turning the key results in absolutely nothing. No clicks, nothing. Charging system works, battery has juice ( at least to operate lights, etc.). I went out over the weekend and it started fine. Drove it, stopped, and when I tried to start it again, nothing. Got a jump and it started. Since then, it started every time just fine.

A: I had a starting problem that was really intermittent at one time. Turns out the nuetral safety switch (term?) on the transmission (67 400 w/ TH400) was not hooked up correctly or loose, and I would have to shift into park, then re-shift into park to get it to start. Same as you, no clicks or anything, but the rest of the electricals worked fine.

A: For that kind of no-start, it may be a “dead” spot on the starter, usually caused by a dirty commutator/brush contact. Next time, give the starter housing a tap with a hammer while somebody turns the key – if it starts then, replace the starter. Another case may be a loose cable connection at battery or starter, even though it feels tight, it may need to be a bit more secure. If a dead spot, you just got lucky while the jumper cables were connected.

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