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The Pontiac Grand Am is a mid-size size (and later compact) car produced by Pontiac. The 1999-2005 generation is the final generation of the Pontiac Grand Am.

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car randomly wont crank. alternator, starter and battery good

car randomly

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Hello, I am having the same problem with a 2000 Mercury Gran Marquis 8cylinder engine. My mechanic tested battery, starter and checked the ignition switch but car still would not start. He connected a wire from the starter directly to the battery and the car started.

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Same issue! 97 Camry randomly won’t start. New battery, starter w/ solenoid, alternator. Every now and then car won’t start- leave it alone for a while and then it starts??? any ideas?

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I change the starter and battery and put a new crank rely fues still won't crank

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I have a new battery and a new starter for I need an alternator

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Mine has the same issue as if battery drain somewhere. Knowing it won't start, I take the ground off everynight and next day she starts up.

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There are a number of reasons this could happen. there are neutral safety switches in both the automatic and stick shift versions of most vehicles. There is also a starter relay in the fuse box on some vehicles. check the battery cables to see if they are clean. I have seen people clean the outside of the cables but there needs to be a good connection between the post and cable or side terminal. they need to be removed to be cleaned. You say the starter is good but a bad starter solenoid could cause this problem. If this is the case I recommend replacing the whole starter. Ford cars have a separate solenoid and can be replaced separately.

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+good answer....but its not a Ford ;-)

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well Im totally at a loss cuz on my vehicle jst put a brand new starter on my 2007 dodge ram n wont crank r start at all

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No crank no click 2014 taurus sel

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Check if battery is charged o rule out bad battery. A good voltage while the car is off and has not been running for a few hours (idle voltage) is ~>=12.8V. Anything above 12.3 V is okay. Does any other high current load work well (headlights, rear defrost, fans .. while the engine is not running? What happens when you turn the key? Do the dashboard lights stay bright ? Is there any noise indicating the solenoid engages or starter try to turn ?

Rule out faulty relais, fuse, voltage drop on cables, conenctors etc.: Check the voltage on the solenoid itself while you turn the key to crank. If the voltage is close to the idle voltage the solenoid does not engage.

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Hi,

It may be also relevant to add that the alternator output measured across the battery when the engine is running should be between 13.8V -14.2V DC. This ensures that the battery will be charged correctly. Anything less than 13.8V could mean that the battery may actually be discharging or not being charged only being maintained at current level of charge, whilst the engine is running. Anything more could lead to the battery overcharging and eventually failing

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Same issue.. Changed the starter and solenoid. Worked perfectly and the car is fixed.

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Parasitic drain? Turn key off. Take oft positive battery cable. Take a DVOM and use the Amps setting. Plug the red lead into the meter's Amps terminal and the black lead in the common ( or ground ) terminal. Clip the black lead to the disconnected positive battery cable and the red lead to the positive battery post. I would hope not to have more than 300mA of current present. I think a half of an Amp is too much.

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My 2006 pontiac grand prix was fine n then all of a sudden heard a ticking noise coming from the glove box n then found 3 wires in a component red black n red wires arent connected underneath the dash is that y if wont start

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- suggestions to remove, clean and tighten all cables are always good especially in these high current connections.

- sometimes a trick to check if it is the solenoid is to have one person be in car and turn the key and then hit the solenoid with a heavy tool like a hammer- not too hard. This can loosen it. Sometimes it is not moving its core due to rust and dirt or its actually too weak because of too much voltage drop (see 1*)

or another trick to see if it is the solenoid/cable is to bypass the ignition:

shorten the connection from the positive cable of the solenoid to the starter. This can be dangerous because there is no fuse on the starter wire and a short to ground (any metal part in the engine compartment ) can cause high current to melt your tool. Also this bypasses the safety in newer cars that when not in neutral or parking the starter will move the car.

Assuming the starter has a good connection to the battery you will bypass any relais, loose wires, ignition switches (My dad did this with a large screwdriver or other metal tool.

In most cases if you found out that it is the solenoid try to replace only that one if possible.

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03 murano same trouble it was starter relay in fuse box was corroded

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Mine was the ignition fuse….

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I have the same problem with a 1999 Dodge ram 1500 pick up truck. I had O'Reilly's store use their diagnostic tester and it said starter and alternator were good and the battery is good and bought a few months ago. Every few days I need to jump it. When O'Reilly's store clerk tested it the battery was a little low on charge but then again, I had to jump it the day before. When I do jump it, I have to rev it up for a couple of minutes before driving or it will die on me. I only drive it every two or three days usually a mile or so and then back home but I shouldn't have this much trouble because I do drive it a few times a week. Would appreciate any suggestions.

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I had the same problem when I bought my 2005 buick la crosse. Everytime I parked and went to the store, I came out to a dead car. I took it to a shop and it was my battery csbles

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I have a 2016 Hyundai Elantra . I replaced the ignition switch , starter , battery & the alternator reads perfect . My car will only start & run with a hot shot . Once I turn the car off I need another hot shot in order to get it started . I can’t figure out what’s wrong . Lights on dash light up when you put key in ignition . It just clicks if it’s not connected to a hot shot . It can’t start on its own . Please help me

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If it clicks only, the magneto does not engage properly. This switch has two functions:

1. engage the starter with the engine (like a clutch) - mechanical task

2. provide high amp current from the battery - electrical task

Often the magneto is rusted and does not move enough, or its contacts are corroded.
First line of defense: Use a hammer or heavy object to kick the magneto while cranking (2nd person required)
You may use WD40 as well, should not harm.
There is also another test that requires shorting/bypassing a connection. Requires knowledge and safety precautions.

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