intermittent no start

[94XEfor1K]

I've searched a bit but I'm kind of looking for some clarification. My 94xe sometimes doesn't start. What happens is when I turn the key, sometimes you just hear a single click from somewhere up front...sometimes you have to turn the key numerous times and eventually it always starts. In the morning it always fires right up.

 

This afternoon I went to drive it and got in and it made a strange chirping sound, (obviously an alarm of some sort) which I have never heard before. I don't know if this is related or not...the switch on the console is always set to off as I have no key fob.

 

I know there have been no start threads before but I can't seem to find my problem...

 

There is a good bit of corrosion of the positive terminal of my battery, but if that was the problem, why would it be intermittent??

 

***Ok, now it took way longer than normal to start and I hear a click coming from the black alarm brain under the seat, as well as the click from up front...!#%^&

[zonianbrat]

I would check your ignition switch. And I would follow your terminals all the way from the battery. That is where I would start.

[jj big shoe]

Just because you have 12v of power to your starter solenoid doesn't necessarily mean you have enough amps from your battery to spin the starter. Corrosion will limit the flow and you won't get the full CCA from your battery. Clean the terminals and try it again.

Or the click you hear could be the inhibit relay. It'll fire, but the terminals get worn and dirty and won't make good contact sometimes.

Or fuisable links. If the connectors are damaged or the pins are corroded, you get all sorts of problems. Mine cut out on me once while making a left turn. The connector was barely holding together and when I turned, the battery slid just enough to pull the connector apart and poof, no juice.

I've had the same problem you're describing off and on for the past year or so. The problems back again now though so I figured I'd really run through everything this time to fix it. I replaced the inhibit relay last week and installed an Optima red top this evening. I also picked up a new pos battery terminal and the parts store will be testing my old battery for me tomorrow. If it still has a problem, I figure it's gotta be the ignition switch. BTW, its an '87 V6 5 speed.

[88pathoffroad]

You can also try unplugging the alarm.