I've got a 2000 Bonneville. Sometimes when I turn the key to start it does nothing, not even a click. All lights dim like it'* going to turn over but nothing happens. If I keep trying, it will eventually start. Is this a sign of a bad starter?

almost sounds like an electrical problem to me, but We'll see what the gearheads have to say on this on, When my stater when out, it was making scraping noises on about every 3rd or 4th start.

How old is your battery? If it'* original, it likely needs to be replaced. If it is newer, try cleaning the battery cables, paying particular attention to the grounding strap from the negative battery connection to the floor pan under the seat. Remove the bolt from the floor, and clean it and the threads in the floor as good as you can. Reconnect after putting on some dielectric grease.

The battery is about a year old. I've removed and cleaned the battery connections along with the grounding strap. But the problem still occurs.

I've found this thread:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=79203

Does anyone have instructions on how to replace the ignition switch? Is there some way to test and determine that the ignition switch is causing the problem?

Test the big purple wire to the starter and see if it'* energized when you turn the key to start.

sounds like my old grand prix. I replaced the solenoid, starter, battery, wiring, disabled KeyLock, everything. Still does this after 5 years My advise is pop the thing off the engine and have a checker/advance bench test the motor (Free). The solenoid may be going bad. If not try testing the Nuetral switch for power. If you've got power from that then check the ignition lock and tumbler (key cylander).

Good Luck

It'* going to be very very hard to test this because it only happens every few days or so. And it has always started if I keep turning the key on and off. By the time I get to the starter to test the purple wire, it will probably start.

What is the problem most likely caused by? I figure I could start with the likeliest part and work until it'* fixed. Since a service bulliten was issued for the ignition switch, I think it may be the first thing I try if I can find instructions on how to do this.

yes try the switch first (if you mean the key). That is the only part I havn't replaced on my gp

intermittant problems like this will drive you crazy.

MAKE SURE YOUR CONNECTIONS ARE GOOD TO THE BATTERY.opps caps