Starting problem

[red97vipergts]

I have a 1997 GTS. A couple times I've turned the key nothing happens (wont even turn over), but it still has full power . Then I turn the key and it will start .Doesn't matter hot or cold engine . I could not get it to repeat the problem all the time . Finally in the garage it did it again and I could not get it started . I jumped the clutch safety switch and it fired up . I changed the switch and everything seemed to be fine for a while . Then it happened again .I tuirned the key and kept pushing the clutch pedal to the floor and it started . Then I turned it off and it wouldnt start again . This time I jumped the switch and it took a few seconds and what seemed like a couple clicks and it started again . I do not believe it was ever the switch , I think it is the starter or possibly a relay . I know alot of people have similiar problems with the starter but only when its hot . My car will do it whenever ift feels like it hot or cold . Should I just change the starter ? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[97snk]

Had the same issue, corrosion on the battery terminals...

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Also check the pseudo-battery terminals at the driver footbox (on Gen 1).

 

[red97vipergts]

I will check all terminals tomorrow . I'll do anything at this point to not get stuck somewhere . Thanks for the advice it is appreciated.

 

[bluesrt]

carry a test light with you-- the next time of this- have someone crank the car and see if you have power to the solinoid at crank--if you do then tap on the starter--- or replace it

 

[red97vipergts]

Cleaned all terminals , Battery ,fuse box pos , grounds , and both starter wire lugs , been driving for 2 days no problems yet but it usually happens when I least expect it ,hopefully the problem is solved but if it is the starter it looks pretty easy to change .

 

[99 R/T 10]

Could be the ignition switch. I just had to switch mine out. Rare to have it fail, but had some weird electrical problems. All associated with the ignition switch.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I say it's the negative on the battery. Your viper requires allot of amps and if the ground or positive isn't tight then you will have the issues you mentioned above. Get those battery post anticorrosion pads.

 

[RTTTTed]

Whenever it's a "whenever" electrical problem it usually means a bad electrical connection. Besides the starter and the key there are a LOT of electrical connections in your car. Most often it is the battery cables or ground (as already stated). Lucky that our cars do have decent connectors. I hope you've fixed it.

Ted

 

[CWhiteRun]

Could be the ignition switch. I just had to switch mine out. Rare to have it fail, but had some weird electrical problems. All associated with the ignition switch.

....also try switching out your starter relay with another to see if it's acting up. Check your ring terminals on the starter itself as well...after you disconnect your battery of course.

 

[red97vipergts]

I've been driving the car daily just to see if cleaning all the terminals was the fix , looks like to this point it is . Thanks to everyone for their advice . If it happens again I will post .