Could be loose honeypot on top of steering column. Push down on steering wheel and try to start it.

Cheers,
Pete.
Old Holdens never die, they just go faster.

your ignition switch could need adjusting, when it starts do you have to turn the ignition all the way, til it won't go any further

if it's the netural safety switch (auto yeah?) try wiggling the shifter and pulling it towards park

also possibly the starter solenoid is on the way out. also try renewing the thin wire that goes to the solenoid, if it has daggy ends or bad terminals that can make a difference. Try making the wire a bit shorter as well.

you need to check when it wont start, use a test light at the solenoid wire while some one holds the key to start position to see if you got power that will test the inhibitor switch if you have power there most probably starter motor if you have power bump the starter with hammer handle if it goes motor or solenoid is stuffed.

Wayne On most vehicles as they they mature the resistance in all of your components increases to the point where the start signal at the engine ends up being only several volts.
This combined with a worn starter usually results in a no start situation when your engine is hot.
Fitting a relay at the starter usually buys you a bit more life from the old components as it gives you 12 volts to the start terminal.(sort of like having a remote control screwdriver).But this will only work if as mentioned in other replies that your key start switch and the neutral start switch are functioning and adjusted correctly,
(1) Start with clean tight battery terminals.Then using a test light check for signal at the starter's push on wire.(purple wire)
(2) Check that that the auto shifter and safety switch are adjusted correctly,eg P=park R=reverse N=neutral (switch on column down near floor if its column shift, or on T/bar base if its floor shift (Purple wires are for start, green wires are for reverse lights)
(3) The switch for the key is mounted on top of the column and operated buy a long rod from the steering lock. This means the column has to be lowered to adjust this, (take care if its column shift that you are gentle on the cable that moves the dash pointer if lowering the column)move switch back.
(4) Repair or replace starter
(5) Probably where I would start if you get a signal at the starter is to fit a relay
Work safe Oily

quote:

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Originally posted by Oily
Wayne On most vehicles as they they mature the resistance in all of your components increases to the point where the start signal at the engine ends up being only several volts.
This combined with a worn starter usually results in a no start situation when your engine is hot.
Fitting a relay at the starter usually buys you a bit more life from the old components as it gives you 12 volts to the start terminal.(sort of like having a remote control screwdriver).But this will only work if as mentioned in other replies that your key start switch and the neutral start switch are functioning and adjusted correctly,
(1) Start with clean tight battery terminals.Then using a test light check for signal at the starter's push on wire.(purple wire)
(2) Check that that the auto shifter and safety switch are adjusted correctly,eg P=park R=reverse N=neutral (switch on column down near floor if its column shift, or on T/bar base if its floor shift (Purple wires are for start, green wires are for reverse lights)
(3) The switch for the key is mounted on top of the column and operated buy a long rod from the steering lock. This means the column has to be lowered to adjust this, (take care if its column shift that you are gentle on the cable that moves the dash pointer if lowering the column)move switch back.
(4) Repair or replace starter
(5) Probably where I would start if you get a signal at the starter is to fit a relay
Work safe Oily

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My old HQ has had starting problems for the last 15 years I rekon.
Turn the key and it clicks and about 10 attempts later it turns over and starts. I changed the starter and switch and safety switch years ago but it made no difference.
I see it as an anti-theft device now, only I can start the car no-one else can.
It has never failed to start but I'm sure it will one day.
Maybe I'll run through your check list too thanks for the info.

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"I would never want to be a member of a group whose symbol was a guy nailed to two pieces of wood" (George Carlin)

wayne,has the problem gone for 3 months then come back?

Jim in Adelaide..

bit confusing,did they hook up the switch again or is it still disabled?

Jim in Adelaide..

yep,use all fresh wiring if you can,then work "backwards" from there,let us know how you go.I'm actually thinking starter solenoid here.to test(wait till it wont start)then have someone turn ignition full on as if to "start " the car and tap it with a steel pole(hydraulic jack handle) and hammer just slightly if it starts thats it.


Jim in Adelaide..

yes it would,adjust the position of the neutral safety switch ,move it "slightly" back towards the rear of the car,so you dont have to push the shifter too hard forward.

Jim in Adelaide..