: First the water pump went out. As I was discovering this, when I went to start it back up to take to the garage for repair, it suddenly would'nt start. Turn the key and the starter starts clicking. Removed the starter and had it checked out, it'* OK. Cleaned the posts and battery cables, I'm getting juice to the starter(at least 11.9 v), No juice to the ignition side of the starter. Tried to start in Park and Neutral. Please don't tell me my ignition switch is bad. What do you think? 98 Bonne SE 3.8 129k :(

When you cleaned the battery cables, did you pull the boot off from them and clean them up well? Much of it is often hidden under the boot, in particular the positive side.

OK, I took the both boots completely off and cleaned them up real well with a wire brush and got the post cleaner in the post hole real good. Now before this when I tried to start it, it would click a few times and then quit. Now after cleaning them especially good, it is a more steady click. Now I'm thinking Solenoid. But like I said, when I took it in to have the starter checked out it appeared to be good on the starter tester. Whadda ya think?

Charge your battery. It'* weak. Try it again after that, then let us know.

Battery is reading 12.01 v

Starting the car has more to do with current (amps) than voltage.

Even a nearly-dead battery can read 12V.

OK I will. But I just don't get it. One moment it was starting fine, and the next, all of this. But I'll take your advice. Thanks

I still suspect battery cables/grounds. At some point, you may have to disconnect each end of each cable, scrub, dielectric grease, and whatnot.

It'* also not out of the question for your battery to be the suspect. I've seen batterys that crack one of the posts on the INSIDE of the battery, and can't pass enough current for a start.

If this doesn't work for you, try swapping another known good battery in, and go after the cables for round two.

Ok Bill. I'm on my way. Gotta get something to eat also. So I'll get back with you. While I'm at the Auto Parts store I'll pick up some dielelecrtic grease. Thanks for the input. Your site is awesome

Got back from the store. You were right, the battery was weak. Put a full charge on it(battery was rated for 800CCA). Put it back in with the dielectric grease. Now it is just giving me about a half a crank, then nothing. No clicking or anything. I did notice the positive terminal was hot to the touch. Oh well, gonna hang it up for the night and try substituting with another battery tom'rw morn. I'll clean the other ends then and get them greased also. If that does'nt work should I purchase some new cables,ya thinlk. I figure if it were the ignition switch then I would'nt get anything at all.........right?