I'm having a hard time cranking my 85 Firebird. It's progressively gotten worse over the past few months. I can turn the ignition on and everything powers up, but when I turn it all the way to crank nothing happens. The gauges all jump like they're supposed to. Initially I would have to jiggle the steering wheel and it would crank. Then it got to the point where I had to give the steering wheel a swift hit for it to turn over. Now I have to spend 5-10 minutes beating the crap out of my steering wheel before it turns over.

So, any idea what the issue could be? Where should I start looking? Ignition switch in the steering column? Any help would be appreciated!

 

Usually, if you work the key rapidly between run and start, the starter will start cranking....I said usually. My Lumina will hesitate to start like your car at times.

Most likely the ignition switch has lost its adjustment or it just needs to be replaced. The switch is screwed to the outside of the steering column down near the floor. Don't confuse it with the headlight dimmer switch.