Hi everyone, I've got 90k on my '96 Max, and yesterday for the first time, my car did not crank over when trying to start it. Tried it a few more times and nothing. Not even a crank. The lights on the dash worked though. Tried it again and it finally started, like normal. Got home, turned the engine off, immediately tried to start it again, and it was fine. Did this about 5 more times and it started fine each time. On the 6th try, nothing, no crank or anything. Tried it again and it started fine. Could this be the starter or alternator going bad, or is it just a loose connection somewhere? I had the PCV valve changed at an oil change place earlier that day. I saw them do it, and it took them less than 10 minutes total, but I'm also wondering if maybe they knocked a connection loose somewhere?

 

I would check how tight the connections are at the post of the battery. I would clean all corrosion off of the battery posts and tighten the clamps onto the posts of the battery. I would also check your grounding cable and make sure it is fine with no corrosion and no cracks in the insulation. I wouldn't think that it would be the battery since starts fine then just stops. I think this is the connections to the battery.

 

The problem is just when trying to start the car sometimes. Sometimes there would be no crank. Once it starts, it's fine, as I took an hour long drive home with no problems. If it was a bad connection to the battery, then wouldn't the car die on me at some point while driving? Thanks.

 

maybe dead alternator...

 

Yeah maybe, but wouldn't a dead alternator mean the engine would never start?

 

No. I bet you either need a new battery or a new starter. Autozone can help you rule out the battery and alternator for free.

 

Could be the ignition switch in the steering column. From the symptoms, battery should be okay.

 

Uncle Max98, I agree with you. I have the same problem. Need to replace ignition switch. This happens when some of the pins to recognize the key get broken off or out of place. When this happens you have to get the key in perfect position or it won't start.

 

broaner22, how did you find that out. Did you go to the dealer to have them diagnose the problem? How much will that cost you?

 

could also be because of the subzero temps,