# 96 Regal won't start **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 3, 2007, 4:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/96-regal-wont-start/4074 "2007-09-03T04:48:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Adriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/cc9497/32.png) [@Adriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Adriver)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 4:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/96-regal-wont-start/4074/1 "2007-09-03T04:48:22Z")
My 96 Regal, 3.8l engine, fails to start about 1 time in 10. The starter turns everything over normally bu the engine won’t catch. I have found if I then wait 3-4 minutes it will start right up. I’ve wondered if having the air conditioner on to start with makes a difference. Sometimes I have hit the accelerator before turning the key and that seems to cause it not to start, but sometimes if fails to start when I haven’t hit the accelerator first. It has only stopped once in traffic. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 11:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/96-regal-wont-start/4074/2 "2007-09-03T11:14:26Z")
Ensure the fuel filter has been changed, in recent memory. I think the problem is in the ignition switch. The ignition switch is two parts: the lock cylinder, and the switch part (the part with the wires attached). The bad part would be the switch part with the wires attached. ---
**Author:** ![MG-McAnick](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mg-mcanick/32/188_2.png) [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 12:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/96-regal-wont-start/4074/3 "2007-09-03T12:42:55Z")
There are several sensors and electronic items that could cause the symptoms you describe. Yes, it could be the switch, but the 1:10 ratio makes me think otherwise. You’re going to have to get it checked out by a competant local shop. Look for “The mechanix files” right on this website for a good shop near you.