# Ignition switch problem? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** regal, ignition, buick\ **Created:** [December 22, 2010, 6:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031 "2010-12-22T06:27:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![blinglewood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f05b48/32.png) [@blinglewood](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blinglewood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 6:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/1 "2010-12-22T06:27:56Z")
I have a 1996 buick regal v6. The car runs fine, but sometimes when i got to start it it won’t start right away. Everything turns on (lights, dash, etc) excepts it won’t start and there is no noise, i just turn it all the way over and it clicks but no other major noises happen. Eventually, if i keep at it it will turn over, but only after a take it out of park and put it in nuetral and then put it back and repeat (I’m pretty sure this doesn’t help, but makes me feel like I am doing something). I checked all the fuses, even the big ones under the hood and none are broken. Is it the sign of a new ignition switch being needed? I’m at a loss. Sometimes it starts right up and sometimes it doesn’t. Seems to be no ryhme or reason to it. Any help would be great. Thanks a lot! -Dave ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 6:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/2 "2010-12-22T06:29:50Z")
There are some big cables that attach to the battery, make sure they are clean and tight (remove them and look). ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 6:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/3 "2010-12-22T06:38:28Z")
Maybe there’s a junction terminal fault due to corrosion if this model uses this junction and/or a neutral safety switch problem. The junction terminal should be located near the battery and there should be a heavy lead from the battery positive terminal running to this terminal. You might pop that loose and clean it. Many SAABs also use a junction terminal and it can definitely be a fine one minute and bad the next. (As I found out one time on vacation after checking in at a hotel.) ---
**Author:** ![blinglewood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f05b48/32.png) [@blinglewood](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blinglewood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 6:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/4 "2010-12-22T06:46:28Z")
thanks for the answer, I didn’t mean to flag this, though i was hitting the reply button. i’ll try that for sure ---
**Author:** ![blinglewood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f05b48/32.png) [@blinglewood](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blinglewood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/5 "2010-12-22T06:49:18Z")
thanks a lot. This really help as the model does have this strange junction. I’ll look at that first thing in the morning and send updates. Thanks again ---
**Author:** ![oblivion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3ab097/32.png) [@oblivion](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oblivion)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2010, 11:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-problem/59031/6 "2010-12-22T11:14:24Z")
Sounds like the starter solenoid may be sticking or the starter relay may be failing.