1998 Trans Am Starting issues
 

Im having some issues with my 98 TA. For some reason every once in a great while when i go to start the car i hit the key it turns but wont fire. The fuel pump primes just fine and the security light goes out like it should if i leave the key in the run position for a few moments then try starting it again it fires right up. Im at a complete losee at what this could be and dont want to take it to a dealer if i dont have to. Any body have any ideas.

Re: 1998 Trans Am Starting issues
 

well once i had a starter break off the Ear and didnt have the TQ to stay on the flywheel when i would trun the key. But most of the time u could hear it like a faint grading sound. new start fix'd it. there where a few times where i could not hear it at all tho when i didnt start. Maybe this will be some what helpful

Re: 1998 Trans Am Starting issues
 

Check and see if your getting any spark out of your plugs, pull one and touch it on your manifold of headers to make sure its grounded. If there is no spark, start investigating more of your coil packs.

Re: 1998 Trans Am Starting issues
 

Sounds to me like first time you crank it, it won't start so you stop and the second time you crank it, it starts. If its cranking its not the starter. If it starts the second time every time its not the coils. You prob have carbon build up in your combustion chamber. Is it more prone to do this when its hot or cold? Is the throttle body dirty? What kind of miles are on the car? How well do you keep up your maintence? There's alot of question to ask but it really sounds to me like its carbon. There is a spray that you can find at parts stores that is called a decarbon or top engine cleaner that should fix the problem just follow the instructions on the can. The stuff we carry here at my dealership works great for that.

Re: 1998 Trans Am Starting issues
 

Well the dealer i got the car from decided to fix the car and it turns out it was the ignition relay was staying open sometimes. So 15 bucks in parts and 135 in labor all of which i dont pay the car works just fine. Go figure.