I thought the starter was going out of my 92 camaro, had to turn the key a bunch in order to get it to start even though the solenoid on the starter always clicks. So I replaced it with a reman from O'reileys and had the same problem. She push starts everytime, tapping the starter with a hammer helps it most of the time the solenoid on the starter always clicks everytime I turn the key it just doesnt start to turn over. I brought the starter back and got one from autozone and they tested it to be working before I left the store and put that one on. Same problem.

The hot (what, 4 guage maybe) wire running from my battery to the starter is in good shape, I cleaned up both ends and reattached it.

I wouldn't think the clutch plate sensor would be causing the problem, because I wouldn't think it would allow the solenoid on the starter to click if it wasn't engaged (actually, when I tried starting it without the clutch in, it didn't click, and wouldn't click for a few turns after that if memory serves).

My engine temp. guage spikes everytime I turn the key to the start position, which makes me think there might be an electrical leak somewhere along the lines (but my temp guage is also kind of messed up anyways).

The ignition is pretty new, the owner before replaced it thinking it was the cause of the problem.

Can I bypass the passkey decoder module without any ill side effects? I'm worried about that stupid thing and the diode itself on my key. Better yet, can I just hotwire a pushbutton line from my battery to the terminal on the starter that recieves a current from the ignition without any ill side effects?

Any other ideas? I got the wiring diagram for the 92 firebird I assume it's close enough to the camaro's for the starter wiring. I plan on trying to see if I can locate a faulty wire, but taking the steering column apart is a major headache especially because of the airbag.

 

You say the starter clicks every time. Have you tried measuring the voltage at the battery when you hit the key? Could be that you have a bad cell in the bat. You wouldnt notice it while the car is running and if you check the bat with no load on it, it will most likely have 12 volts. I would load test the battery.