84'Firebird

iTrader: (1)

I have a 1984 Pontiac Firebird, 2.8. When i drive for a few hours then park it, it wont start again. I turn the key, gauges work, it just wont crank like the starters dead. If i let it cool for 10min it starts fine. What could be causeing this. I thought coil or the starter. Seems like this problem is getting worse. Please help. Thanks

84'Firebird

iTrader: (1)

ScottieB

sounds like a hot wire. if you NEED to start it, you can cross the + and - sides of the starter with a screwdriver... i've done it many times, but now i just have a push button starter because i dont know what is wrong between the wiring of my ignition and starter... everything works, until i turn the key to engage the starter... and nothin! lol... oh well.

TomP

I'd change out the starter. You could just change out the solenoid (sits on top of the starter), but you'd have to take the starter out of the car, and at that point- may as well replace the starter! Don't forget to unhook the negative battery cable first; that big positive wire at the starter can throw a bunch of sparks!

Scottie, if you don't have VATS (a black chip on the edge of the ignition key), and you're not seeing +12 at the solenoid when you turn the key to start, your neutral safety switch (on the shifter) could be bad.