OK it will crank from the outside is it the ignition switch is there a way to test the ignition switch to see if it is bad before I buy one

Used a multi-meter to verify power and make certain you have a solid ground.
Corrosion in the battery cable could cause such a significant voltage drop that there isn't enough left at the starter.
Study this schematic and follow the voltage on the ignition switch side. That is what controls how and when the starter engages.

Attachment 28205

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CaptainRich

Used a multi-meter to verify power and make certain you have a solid ground.
Corrosion in the battery cable could cause such a significant voltage drop that there isn't enough left at the starter.
Study this schematic and follow the voltage on the ignition switch side. That is what controls how and when the starter engages.

Attachment 28205

---

Can you test the ignition switch and if so how do you do it

Can you test an ignition switch on a 98 pontiac grand am with a 2.4 motor and if so how do you test it

Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.

---

If we don't see anything upon our visual inspection what can we do next I really appreciate your help and thank you very much

If everything else has been ruled out, take your chances and buy a new ignition switch. Buy it from someone who will allow it to be returned, if it doesn't solve the problem.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Remove the switch, checking it over for wear, pitting, or melting.

---

What is pitting?

Like craters on the moon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Like craters on the moon.

---

OK thank you I will let you know how it goes

You need to start with a fully charged battery.
Then, with the key in the START position, you should be able to find battery voltage (at least 12 volts but it should be higher) on the yellow wire coming out of the ignition switch. If you don't have at least 10 volts on that wire, replace the ignition switch and retest.
An alternate test point for this is actually on the purple wire right where it connects to the starter. This locaton is far easier identify but you still have to rule out the safety switch (CPP on manual trans and TR on automatics).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tami slater

ok thank you i will let you know how it goes

---

We replaced the ignition switch and the car will crank from the inside but will not start the motor jumps when you try and start it what could be the problem now could it be the ignition module

Perform the tests in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2123675

The Ignition Control Module and coil are what I would focus on, if you now have a straight-forward crank but won't start situation. This assumes the engine compression and timing belt are fine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Perform the tests in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post2123675

The Ignition Control Module and coil would be what I would focus on, if you now have a straight-forward crank but won't start situation. This assumes the engine compression and timing belt are fine.

---

Where is the ignition coil located and thanks to you I I am learning a lot about my car

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tami slater

where is the ignition coil located and thanks to you i i am learning a lot about my car

---

The car has set for like 3 or 4 weeks just though you would like to know that

Here's what your coil looks like:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...earchText=coil

Here's what your Ignition Control Module looks like:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...control+module

Since your car sat so long:

Try turning the ignition switch to ON, until you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank stop running. Then, turn the ignition switch OFF. Repeat this several times, in order to fully pressurize the fuel rail. On the final time, turn the ignition switch to START and see if the engine starts.

. Can you hear the fuel pump run?

. Have you tested for spark?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Since your car sat so long:

Try turning the ignition switch to ON, until you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank stop running. Then, turn the ignition switch OFF. Repeat this several times, in order to fully pressurize the fuel rail. On the final time, turn the ignition switch to START and see if the engine starts.

. Can you hear the fuel pump run?

. Have you tested for spark?

---

Yes I can hear the fuel pump run but how do check for spark do I have to replace both coils if there is no spark

Remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. If there's no (or weak) spark, replace the ICM and coil.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Remove a spark plug wire and attach it to a properly gapped spark plug, touch the plug to a convenient ground, and observe the spark, while someone cranks the engine. If there's no (or weak) spark, replace the ICM and coil.

---

How many ignition coils are there on the car? If there is more than one will I have to replace them all