97 Monte starting issues (no crank, no click)

[acamato]

I have a 97 Monte (3.1L) that will not crank over and I do not hear a click.

 

I replaced the starter thinking that was the problem, it wasn't. The battery connections are good and is charged. The dash lights and headlight do come on, they do dim when I go to start the car. I also swapped the starter relay with another relay. The #11 Fuse (5A) fuse is good.

 

One thing I noticed last night after I put the starter in, was that the radio and interior lights do not come on with the ignition.

 

Where should I look next? I am thinking ignition switch or VATS system. Any suggestions on troubleshooting?

[skitchin]

Random guess but bad ignition switch perhaps, though I don't like the sound of the headlights dimming w/ no crank.

[urbex]

My first guess would have been VATS/ignition switch, but yeah, that is kind of odd about the dimming lights though... Do you have a security light on?

[acamato]

The security light is not on. The headlights/dash lights cut out when I turn the ign switch to start.

[95 vert]

Loose/corroded battery cable?

[94 olds vert]

The security light is not on. The headlights/dash lights cut out when I turn the ign switch to start.

 

That sounds to me like you have a bad ground or weak battery. Since you mentioned your battery is fully charged I'd check the grounds. The black wire coming off the battery should have 1 or two lead wires coming off it that ground to the car. Check the core support area by the battery and there might be one under the air box. Check to see if they are corroded and clean/replace them as necessary.

[AL]

How old is the battery? Just because its charged doesnt mean it has the strength to turn the engine over

[acamato]

If the battery was weak, wouldn't I hear the click of the solenoid engaging? Also, I tried to jump start the car with no click or crank. I will check the ground.

 

Why would I have dash/headlight but no interior lights or radio?

[94 olds vert]

Could be a blown fuse, I'd check those.