I know this isnt F-Body related, but it does involve a 3800 series V6 Buick.

So... my buick (2001 LeSabre w/ 26k) randomly doesnt want to start.

So this is what gets me. 90% of the time... no hesitation. 5% of the time it takes about 20 secs of holding the key down and the starter clicking... then it cranks, but kinda hesitates (it does about a half rotation then gives up. Then about another half. Then it slowly keeps turning over. Then it runs fine). The last 5% of the time it has trouble starting for about a minute or more and finally turns over. When it does, it sets off a "SECURITY" light on the dash.

So here comes the weird part. After doing its thing and not wanting to start last night, the radio wouldnt work. WTF!?!!? The radio unit was getting power (the clock worked) but it obviously wasnt recieving an ignition signal to turn on the radio. It miraculiously works again.

Possible problems:
Starter
Key (VATS)
Ignition
Alternator
Battery
Wiring?
Other?

Any thoughts? I really donw wanna throw down 175 for a starter for it to keep doing this.

 

check also the ignition lock itself!