What could it b? I ark the starter and the car will start but not by key I put new starter w/ silonold still nothing when I turn the key is it the ignition or is there a relay some where that can go bad I don't know bout

Asked by Brian Jan 31, 2013 at 10:32 PM about the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

10 Answers

3,365

you may need to replace the ignition, mine went out and had to start the car by touching a screw driver to the starter.. replaced the ignition and fixed it. different car, but same concept.

1 people found this helpful.

the relay you speak of is in fact the starter solenoid. You do not want to install second-rate solenoids. Go for genuine GM or NAPA. worldparts are terrible! I suspect your replacement solenoid is not working properly.

3,365

@bob - do you always suggest that the replacement part is faulty? it isn't very common that they are faulty, despite whatever brand you are using... i mean it is a possibility, but not common

After you've installed many second rate replacement parts, you understand. Rebuilt starters and alternators are the worst. Stick to the well name brands...others may be counterfeit. bet you dollars to doughnuts that was a CHINESE solenoid, that is giving us trouble-

I guess it could be the ignition switch, but would it not have completed the circuit normally? Don't want to blame this feller for improper installation, so a faulty solenoid (and we are all tryin' to save a buck) is to blame. They haven't got ISO 9000 quality control there-

176,185

It's not the starter - that was changed even though it was good. It turn the engine over when volts were applied. -- Check the small wire on the starter for power when the key is in the start position. Check fuses if there is no power.

2 people found this helpful.

a solenoid begins it's travel, punching two contacts, which get the motor turnin'. If these contacts are not up to the job, the motor will not begin turning, and although the motor may be just fine, the cheap solenoid may not be, for the long haul...causing the failure. Never seen power from the ignition switch interrupted by anything other than a defective switch, He said he "turned the key". Have to assume the ignition switch is operating normally...bad solenoid is stil my determination...assuming there is power to the solenoid-

18,705

Check for power to the solenoid trip wire when the key is turned to the 'start' position. If there is power to that, then the problem is the solenoid. If there is no power to that trip wire, then the problem is either with the pass key system or with the ignition switch.

6,650

your firebird has chip in key for theft system, sounds like tour ignition switch is bad, need to replace ignition lock cylinder and keys

2 people found this helpful.

Isn't it the other side of the key and cylinder----the contacts on the switch, but like you are talikin 'bout a fuse for the 'chip in key' this is brand new to my ye olde timey world...apologies all around...

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