95 GL 3.8 starting problems

The symptons:
Yesterday morning I went to start the engine - nothing. Every indication was pointing towards a faulty starter solenoid given that there was no apparent voltage/current draw - no dimming of lights, no clicking of any relays or the starter solenoid.

Today the van fired right up without the slightest indication of a problem.

A couple of months ago I had the identical symptons as mentioned above except they were more regular. Ultimately, I changed the starter and also swaped out the ignition lock cylinder. the van started with no problems for a few months (although I don't drive it that much because it's my 3rd vehicle.

I'm guessing, being that I recently changed out the starter, that it's not the starter (or attached solenoid) nor is the lock cylinder. Any Suggestions?

The symptons:
Yesterday morning I went to start the engine - nothing. Every indication was pointing towards a faulty starter solenoid given that there was no apparent voltage/current draw - no dimming of lights, no clicking of any relays or the starter solenoid.

Today the van fired right up without the slightest indication of a problem.

A couple of months ago I had the identical symptons as mentioned above except they were more regular. Ultimately, I changed the starter and also swaped out the ignition lock cylinder. the van started with no problems for a few months (although I don't drive it that much because it's my 3rd vehicle.

I'm guessing, being that I recently changed out the starter, that it's not the starter (or attached solenoid) nor is the lock cylinder. Any Suggestions?

Merken

Welcome to AutoForums.

I have a few questions for you. Does your van have Anti-Theft option? I'm looking at my manual for items that may be failing. If it doesn't start in P have you tried to start it in N? Your Transmission range sensor may be acting up too.

Post back and we may be able to find a solution for you.

Regards

Dan

I don't have an anti-theft option and no, I never attempted to start it up in N. When it happens again, and if it were to start in N, what's that telling me?

Thanks -Merken

LeSabre's means, If you CAN'T start it in Park, and you CAN start it in neutral, replace the TSR.

Karl

(Right LeSabre??)

LeSabre's means, If you CAN'T start it in Park, and you CAN start it in neutral, replace the TSR.

Karl

(Right LeSabre??)


YEP

Thanks Karl!

Regards

Dan

The starter will not turn over until the solonoid pulls forward enough to close switch contacts to let the starter turn. This is all part of the starter assembly.
For any of this to happen, the power has to get through the TRS AKA neutral safety switch on top of the transmission.

I changed out my TRS not too long ago prior to my ***3rd*** (yes - I said 3rd) transmission rebuild. That's not to say that the repalcement TRS didn't go bad. The TRS, to my understanding, will not allow you to start the engine unless it's in P or N. So it's my understanding that something might have gone wrong with the P function of the TRS should it start in N - correct?

If it doesn't start in P or N - and there is no apparent voltage/current draw such that there's no clicking of relays/solenoids or dimming of idiot lights or anything like that - does that rule out the TRS or does that further verify that it is the TRS?

Merken

Merken, you're problem is intermittent, your van is old, and you've had all the components that typically cause this replaced. Few shops have the time to delve where you must now go. Do you own a multi-meter, and do you know how to check continuity?

My guess is that you've got a faulty connector or bad/crushed wire somewhere between the ignition switch and small wire attached to the starter.

Need more info? Post back. Find the problem? For the love of God. Please Post back!

Karl

Karl,

Yes, I have an old Simpson where I can check continuity. There's like 9 million little wires spooled together in various wiring harnesses that extend out from the steering column into the engine compartment. Where in the world do I begin to check continuity? Can I try by-passing something that would steer me in the right direction?

Merken

sounds like same prob. i had with a 95 i had. I fought with it over a year, I even made a bypass starter switch that bypased the switch, column, and trans. pos. switch and that still wouldn't crank the engine or even try to engauge the solinoid when the starter (key) wouldn't work. (this wasn't to safe, as it connected an always hot wire right to the wire going to the starter solinoid.) The trouble stopped after I cleaned the cheesy little unsealed connector that plugs unto the solinoid.