I have an 89 Pontiac Formula. Its an automatic.

I was having intermittent starting problems about six months ago and had the starter replaced. Everything seemed fine since then. I drove to work, drove to lunch and still everything was fine. Then when I went to go home the damn thing wont start.

It doesn't click. It doesn't do anything. The lights and the radio go off when I turn the key but other than that I get nothing. I checked the battery and it seems fine. I thought at first it might be the VATs but the security light doesn't flash or anything.

Any ideas? Other than the random starting problems I love this car but I'm getting really sick of not knowing if its going to strand me somewhere when I least expect it.

 

Have you checked out your ignition coil and or ignition control module, when my ig cont mod went out it was hard start, when recently my ig coil gave out it was tough to start but it turned. neutral safety switch, starter relay,

 

If you turn the key and the lights and such go off, you've got a ground problem. For me, that usually means the connection at the battery. >IF< your battery is 100% definately good, then remove and clean off the ground cables. I'm not sure which one or ones it could be as it's generally only been the negative battery cable on my end.

Something I keep handy in these situations is a black & decker battery charger/alternator tester/quick start unit. Plug it into any house outlet, connect to the battery and vroom(in quick start mode). It gives me an accurate reading of the battery's voltage beforehand to make tell me if it's low and possibly bad.

Other than the battery itself being almost dead, I'd lean towards the negative battery cable or another ground being corroded, loose, something.

 

Ok, so I was looking through older threads and saw someone mention the ign space on the fuse box. They said that instead of a fuse there was supposed to be a red wire and a yellow wire there. I looked and I only have a red wire. Is there any reason why someone would remove and reroute the yellow wire?

I bought this car from someone on this forum and I'm starting to realize that several things on this car have been rigged. I don't know if the person I bought it from did it or what but someone has really screwed this car up.

It has a new engine, new transmission, new suspension, new interior, new exhaust, new radiator, and now a new starter. You would think it wouldn't give me so much trouble. The whole damn car is practically new. I'm about ready to sell the damn thing and buy a Mustang or a Japanese car.

I've attached a picture of what I assume the fuse box should look like. If anyone knows where I might be able to find this illusive yellow wire and why it may not be where its supposed to be I would really appreciate it.