Ignition problem

[OZZYSHOUSE]

I have a problem with my 1999 firebird 3.8 starting also. I put the key in and turn it and sometimes, most times she starts, but sometimes its hesitant than turns over, and occasionally you turn the key and nothing but dashboard lights. the security light does go off, so I ruled out that. I've been reading the threads and some are seem to be like mine., but not sure. It's not the starter or battery, or relays fuses. I thought maybe the neutral safety switch, but rulling that out also, due to she starts the same way in park as in neutral, hesitant. I thought maybe the ignition switch, or the ( ICM ) Ignition control module. But not sure if thats the same thing or are they two different parts? Also if there is a ignition switch, where is it? and also the ICM, I saw in a post they said it was behind the coils, but I can not see it looking in ( Allthought the coils are there, or is it hidden underneath them? Any help would be great! Thanks

[Pathogen]

Re: Ignition problem

Is the car turning over at all?

The Ignition switch is at the bottom of your steering column, below the dash board, and those can go bad. It's a long rectangular connecter with lots of wires going into it that's actually mounted to the steering column.

The ICM is under the coil packs (between the packs and the tray which bolts to the motor). If the ICM is bad, the car will turn over, but not start. If the Ignition switch is bad, it won't turn over.

Are your battery and ground connections tight?

:)

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: Ignition problem

and check fuel pressure

[Pathogen]

Re: Ignition problem

and check fuel pressure

There does seem to be a lot of that going on - good point! :)

[OZZYSHOUSE]

Re: Ignition problem

Fuel pressure is good...I had to change my regulator, along with fuel filter a few months ago. I think I can rule out the ICM, because it does not turn over at all when it acts up. I thought maybe the neutral safety switch again, but I read if its bad its bad and will not start at all. And the security system seems to be working because the light goes off. I saw the ignition switch...allthought it looks like i have to drop the steering wheel to get to it, never done that before, but does not look that hard to do, i hope it just falls down or if it comes off it slides back on to the spindle between the firewall?..Funny thought today, I looked a spare key and the resistor part on the not so used key has those little metal taps on either side sticking out more than the normal used keys. And maybe its just not acting up, but seems to start without any hesitation? Could it just be the key or is the key cylinder going bad and needs to be replaced, looks like a job, and not sure how to get the steering wheel off with the airbag on it......What do ya think?

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: Ignition problem

I think it' stime to invest in the holy book haynes

[OZZYSHOUSE]

Re: Ignition problem

After all.....it was the key...I took it to the shop...and they tested it, and it was giving an error code....And the tech. said that was it...and so far no problems..