My car has a random no-start issue. Random meaning it can run and start fine for days, but then it will just not start (no cranking or anything). This has happened even after starting normally, turning off, and then trying to restart immediately. When it does this, I get the single solid click and nothing else. All gauges function fine (as normal). There is NO security light, but I had previously bypassed the system due to it being on all the time. The battery and starter have been tested and all is well there. Shorting the starter terminals results in the starter spinning but no start, not firing at all. Metering the battery results in normal voltage even when cranking. I pulled the coil and ICM and ran every test I could find here and all seems well there. Fuel pressure is ~44psi KOEO and dropped to 41psi when it would run. What next?!?

 

maybe your solenoid is going bad....

 

My car recently did the same thing. Upon testing everything i could think of, I found I had neglected to check the ignition control box on the steering column. Upon removal, i checked the connections and found that 2 of them were burnt out. Replaced, and never had a problem. Apparently, these boxes are a common GM fault, and burn out (sometimes with a bit of smoke, and others resulting in fire). Check 'er out!

 

I also had a similar problem several months ago... Sometimes it would start, sometimes nothing... Tested everything I could like you and I ended up replacing the ignition switch like the poster above, and it fixed it... Not saying that's what it is... But might be worth looking into.

 

I forgot about that switch under there... I was dreading having to replace the key cylinder, but thats still a possibility. Thanks for the info, I'll check it out!

 

My problem was the car would shut itself off while running....say on the highway sometimes. kinda sucked azz. But I replaced that part and never had a problem whatsoever after that. Part cost was like $80 Canadian, so probably like $45-50 American. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

If your getting a click your solenoid is fine. Just sounds like it's time for a starter. When it doesn't start, try hitting the starter with a hammer while someone holds the ignition key to start. If it starts, then its your starter. It still could be your starter even if you had it tested. Like you said, it's intermittent and it might have just been luck that it was working fine while being tested.

 

I tested ignition switch, theft deterrent relay, and transmission range switch. All put out the proper voltage when attempting to crank. The ignition switch and its connectors were in pretty good shape actually, not even heat damaged. The TDR, once exposed, clicked at the proper time and put out the voltage at the right times. The car started perfectly after playing with the TDR, but went right back to its little nap and has not started yet. My clue that it IS the starter is that when I took off the trans switch and moved it "out of gear" I didn't even get the click when attempting to start. Hence, starter solenoid gives a good solid click normally but remains silent when trans switch is moved. So I guess I'll try a new starter and see where that goes...

 

Hope this helps someone... It was indeed the starter. When I removed the old one, the plastic face of the solenoid literally fell off in several pieces. I guess it had enough after 101k heat-soaked miles! Threw in a new starter and everything's good!

 

Well, that's good to hear. Simple solution to a complicated electrical problem. Enjoy the roar and rumble...........SUMMER'S COMING!!!!!!!!!!