98 SLE no start

[bow-tie]

Hello all,

First of all, thank you all for hosting a place to troubleshoot our bonnies. I don't know that I have ever posted but I have used the forum when looking for answers. It's a wonderful resource.

From what I have searched, I have not been able to find a problem like I have. A handful of years ago, I was constantly fighting no start issues. After researching the forum, I ended up replacing the positive battery cable from the fuse box on the firewall to the battery. The old cable was horribly corroded, so I bought a new GM cable. I then changed my side post battery to a dual terminal and ended up rigging up a top post mount for the positive side of the battery. That seemed to cure my issues for the longest time.

Fast forward to recently. I fill the car up with gas, get in and hit the key... nothing. There is power to the cabin, all dash lights work, headlights come on, but car will not turn over. I remember my initial issue and figure it's the cable. I don't want to spend big $ on a GM batt cable so I buy aftermarket. I replace the cable and it turns over and fires up. The next day it turns over and fires up. I drive to my destination and when its time to leave, nothing. Stranded. Again. I come back with tools and make sure all connections are tight, still nothing. I am at a loss, and trailer the car home.

When I hit the key, I can hear the fuel pump turning on/pressurizing. I have still juice to the cabin (headlights / dash lights / HVAC lights). But I get nothing when trying to engage the starter. The security light will blink then turn off, which I think is sometimes the problem with the VATS (from what I can discern from my forum search). That seems to be working correctly. I worked on it again today and I noticed when the keys is turned to off, I can hear a low pitched clicking sound, almost like a quiet woodpecker pecking (sorry for the cheesy description, I lack a better one). Is that normal?

Does anyone care to throw some ideas out I can try?

Any help would greatly appreciated.

[Pontiac1]

Try hitting the starter with a hammer,a few taps,do not hit the solenoid,just the bigger body of the starter.

[AJT2004]

Does the car crank if you get a boost? I would also recheck both battery connections and get the battery load tested, it may be a weak battery.

[myfirstbonnie]

What is the security light doing when you turn the key? Possibly a Vats issue and not always reading the key. Clean the sides of the key where the contacts are on the little "pellet" is in the key.

[bow-tie]

I tried jumping the battery with no luck. I also cleaned the key up with rubbing alcohol to no avail. I switched batteries, using the one out my truck, and that was no help either. I will try rapping on the start a couple of times.

The security light will blink when the key is turned off, then the light turns off.

I swear its something electrical between the ignition/tumbler and the starter. Something is keeping the volts from hitting the solenoid.