First let me say that I've researched this problem on these boards and although I've turned up some good info, nothing has proven to be helpful.

Basic info first:
1991 Formula Firebird, 350 TBI, Auto transmission

Now the problem. When the ignition key is turned just to the "on" position everything that sould be working is working. Gauges, radio, lights, fuel pump priming, etc...
When I turn the key to start everthing cuts out as though it should when the starter cranks except in this case the starter doesn't crank. I have since put one of those pistol grip type remote starting switches on it and it starts and runs just fine. Basically the switch with 2 alligator clips, one to the positive side of the starter and the other to the seliniod. This tells me that it's not a problem with the starter. It also means it not VATS, from what I understand the VATS cuts out more then the starter and as I said the car runs just fine.

Things I have investigated:
I have put a meter on the seleniod post of the starter and got no reading when the key was turned.
Checked all fusable links int he wiring near the starter. The're all fine.
Bypassed the neutral/park saftey switch on the shifter.
Checked all fuses in the fuse block. Nothing blown, but I have yet to figure out where the one for the crank is!

I am so fustrated at this point that I'm close to wiring up more of a permenant switch on the console or somewhere. I hate the thought of butchering up my car this way and would much rather figure out what has happened and fix it.
There is a purple wire that goes to the seleniod post on the starter. I'm assuming that when the key is turned I should be getting power in this wire. Is there a fuse or fusable link in this wire? If so, where??? I have yet to be able to find one along this wire. Does anyone think that it could be in the ignition switch? I have no urge to tear into anything else on this car that doesn't need to be.

Please help

 

Sounds like an ignition switch. Use your multimeter to back probe the connector to insure the switch is signaling the starter. If there is continuity you will have to trace the circuit to find the break.

 

Does anyone know which wire coming out of the column is the one I should be testing? All I have is a haynes manual and it hasn't been worth a **** with this problem. The wiring diagrams are crummy and incomplete.

 

Im having problems to, the starter just clicks ONE time nothing more, if I turn back the ignition key and try again, it clicks, ONE time and nothing more, lights, gauges and everything is working, but it will not start to turn.. Battery is fine, has checked it with an batterystore so its not the battery.
Got an new Hitatchi ministarter installed 5 month ago..

Could this be the ignition switch to.. tried to start removing it today but ran to a halt.. have posted a new thread about lowering the steering column and waiting for answer

 

It should be yellow.

 

Is this wire you mean, nr3 (its purple)

 

White Thunder, it seems I have about the same issue as you do on your car. Mine does exactly the same thing, except I can actually get it started if I 'Fonzie' it (bang on the dash while holding the key in the start position will engage the starter somehow). I also know it's not the vats OR my ignition switch since I have an autostart (previous owner) installed and the same symptoms, and banging on the dash soution, convince me it must be a loose wire somewhere. Have you had any luck with your diagnosis thus far? Much like you, I would like to see what you've tried so far to see if it can give me a starting (no pun intended) point... Thanks for any help on this...