Strange starting issue

[Fallenspirit]

I have a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am that started having a strange starting issue. You turn the key to the start position, and the car won't start immediately. The starter doesn't move at all. If you sit there and hold the key in the start position, it will fire right up after a few minutes. It's always a random amount of time before the starter actually tries to start. Everything else has power. It's not the security system. The light for that doesn't come on, and was deactivated 10 years ago anyway.

 

[jlee]

Bad ignition switch?

 

[Fallenspirit]

It's not that, I've already replaced it seeing if that was the issue

 

[96Firebird]

Why do you dismiss the security system? I had the same issue on my '02 Trans Am, did the VATS bypass and now it works every time. Probably pinched wires in the steering column so the car can't read the resistance of the key right away.

 

[Fallenspirit]

I bypassed the vats years ago. The car hasn't read the keys resistance in 10 years. That's why I dismiss it.

 

[96Firebird]

Loose connection at the resistor? Or did you tune it out?

 

[Fallenspirit]

I used resistors, and I've triple checked those connections recently.

 

[96Firebird]

Have you checked the resistance of them recently? However unlikely, resistors can change resistance over time. Make sure it is still within +/-5% of your key's value.

Other than that, is your car a manual? Might be clutch depression switch.

 

[Fallenspirit]

Yeah I checked them with a meter. And no, it's an auto

 

[96Firebird]

Can you hear the fuel pump prime when the key is turned first time?

 

[Fallenspirit]

Yeah