Started fine in the morning a couple of weeks ago. After work nothing, not even a click. I can start it with a screwdiver, though. What's your all opinions?


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

the starter gear will still spin if the solenoid doesn't kick the gear out onto the flywheel/flex plate. at least mine did when the solenoid went. the gear would spin, but the solenoid wouldn't kick the gear onto the flywheel. had to pop start my car a few times. i would replace the whole starter. not too often you hear about people replacing just solenoids anymore. easier to just replace the whole starter than it is to remove the starter, tear it apart, replace the solenoid and put it all back together. reman. units are cheap enough.

I would also check the ignition switch and the clutch switch. I just had to replace both and the starter.

Thanks guys ordering the starter in a few minutes.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Took the starter off and had it tested at a local shop. Turned out faulty, and they should be able to rebuild it.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Had it rebuilt, still no go. Starter is good. I got my volt meter out and checked to make sure I had power at the starter. Both red wires do, the small purple wire does not (even while trying to crank) Switched around relays still no go. Is there something that keeps power from going to this? I am thinking something in the ignition lock. Any ideas?


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Dunno how to edit, but I meant to say ignition switch.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Park/neutral safety switch.... or clutch pedal sensor..... ignition switch.... get a haynes or chiltons..... one or the other or both have the procedures for testing them out....

Anyone got one handy?


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Ignition switch faulty I will suspect...

Thanks Luis, ordering one now.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

so the starter tested bad, they rebuilt it and it didnt solve the problem?? something is wrong with this picture..

There was no power to the purple wire to begin with. Yeah, I didn't think it was bad either, but there british. We will find out when I replace the ignition switch.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

You can DL the manual in the 3rd gen forum. Im willing to bet its the switch, or neutral/park safety switch or the clutch pedal switch. If there is no power at the starter, then its not the starter. I would be willing to bet there was nothing wrong with the starter in the first place, especially if your able to start the car with a screwdriver. Had a 02 Cavalier with the Ecotec motor, and in order to start the car, I had to rig a wire under the hood to start it by touching it to the battery. The ignition tumbler was bad. Not even a new switch fixed the issue. Check those after you dl the repair manual. Something is wrong, and its not the starter.

I took the cover off the steering where the ignition switch is located. Turned the key to the start position and checked the yellow wire that goes to the NSS and nothing. So hopefully this new ignition switch will fix it. Just waiting paitiently.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

Got the ignition switch in the mail and put it on and it started right up.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845

What size of socket is needed to remove those 2 screw from the igintion switch?.

Lol, I used pliers for the bottom one and broke the top one. I went to an auto parts store and they had nothing close. You can check a hardware store.


1996 Sunfire, 2.2L, 18" Equus/General Exclaim UHP
Alpine CDE-9845