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I have a '96 Pontiac Grand Am with a 5 speed
Sent to Car Experts June 02 12:59 PM

I have a '96 Pontiac Grand Am with a 5 speed manual transmission and it has an intermediate starting problem. At times it is like there is no circuit to the starter but if we try to put it into reverse while trying to start it it will start. Could this be the reverse switch or what?

 

Optional Information:
1996 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4

Already Tried:
testing wires.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
June 2 1:13 PM (13 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

there is a starter relay recall on these cars you need to check with dealer to see it is has been done. It adds a relay mounted on core support to take the load off the ign switch. it is possible the the recall has been done and ign switch was ok at that time but now the ign switch has gone bad. The back up light has nothing to do with the starter circuit I would wonder it you have a loose connection on either battery cable at block or starter or a problem with the control wire at the starter

attached is a copy of the recall notice 2006-06-02_131250_relayrecall.zip



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Thanks Tim
PictureTim Basham -- OutBack Auto 4wd &Fab -- 100% Positive Feedback on 271 Car Accepts
25 year multi line tech ASE cert master tech ASE engine machinist. Specializing in 4WD +++
Reply
June 2 2:22 PM (1 hour and 9 minutes and 13 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tim Basham's Post: I have called about the recall and it doesn't apply to my vehicle. I have checked all cable connections and they are tight. As I stated it doesn't do it everytime you try to start the vehicle but when it does we have to try to start the car as we are putting it in reverse to get it to start. To clarify if someone different is reading this the car is a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4 with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 2 2:43 PM (21 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

did dealer run your Vin # to check your recall because it does apply to 96 pontiac grand am 2.4 according to vin break

attached is the actual tsb with vin breaks check it against the list I see alot of times the dealers doen't check the recall lists very well. http://199.79.180.163/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/Recalls/2002/V/RCRIT-02V070-9599.PDF

here is the wiring diagram for your starting system

2006-06-02_144329_starter.zip



I hope I have been helpful. If more info is needed just ask.
Please select Accept when your question has been answered. And Bonuses and Feedback are nice too.
Thanks Tim
PictureTim Basham -- OutBack Auto 4wd &Fab -- 100% Positive Feedback on 271 Car Accepts
25 year multi line tech ASE cert master tech ASE engine machinist. Specializing in 4WD +++
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