Starting Issues - Not a dead battery.

[VCrossfan]

From what I gather it doesn't turnover at all, then while working the ignition key it starts turning over at a normal/fast speed. If this is the case I would says it's electrical. Maybe the Neutral safety switch (won't let starter power unless it's in Park or Neutral). I would check the connections there and even the ignition switch/wiring.. You might even try to engage the key to start, and if doesn't do anything (with your foot on the brake) move the shifter in/out of park and try it in neutral also...Good Luck

[bentcipher]

Exactly. I hear it click once for each attempt I make to start it with the key... by the sound of it it comes from the starter area. I have tried putting the shifter in Neutral and see if it started, then back to Park and nothing...

Note that if you put the shifter in gear and try to start then you actually don't even get a click - it makes no sounds. So the symptoms are different from what I'm having.

What makes this problem difficult to troubleshoot is it's weather-dependent - that is it completely goes away when it gets warm. Being in Florida, that's most of the year so I literally have only so many days (sometimes hours) to troubleshoot and fix this issue. Sux.

[VCrossfan]

[QUOTE=bentcipher;144914]
Note that if you put the shifter in gear and try to start then you actually don't even get a click - it makes no sounds. So the symptoms are different from what I'm having.QUOTE]

It clicks in Park and Neutral is correct. It should not click when it's in a gear so thats ok and normal.

I'm still thinking it's a loose ground or bad connection. Try this "old school" trick. Have yourself or someone tap the starter while someone turns the key. But don't tap until the person running the key has tried, turn the key and if there's nothing tell them to tap the starter while the key is still being turned. I know it's old school but worth a try...Good Luck

[bentcipher]

Ok, thanks buddy. I'll give that a shot... once it gets cold again. It's back to warm weather in FL so it starts on the first try!

[SilverBullet75]

another old school trick that the "tapper" can do is to jump the power terminal of the starter to the switch lead. You can use a screwdriver to make contact between both. Not sure the technical terms for these but, it should make the starter spin. If not, starter or solenoid is bad... or the wiring, as was already mentioned.

good luck!