1993 cavalier ignition/starter problem...

[451ctds]

Water shouldn't hurt, I regulary use engine cleaner, and hose off engine,
I drive through puddles, in the rain, go to car washes. Sounds like some "
funny business ". Start by testing grounds,
try running a jumper cable from starter housing to
negative battery terminal, to verify starter is fully grounding.. Sometimes
a skimpy ground lets some current through, but not enough to crank.
A good test is, turn on headlights, watch lights as you try cranking. If
lights don't dim = open circut in starter. If lights go out = bad ground.
If lights dim =
weak battery. I'd think this is more of a co-incidence, and it would be
almost belittleing to
think a few drops of coolant would take out a starter. Than again, we're
talking modern cars !

[Rick De Visser]

My starter experience with a 2.2L engine (on a Corsica)...
Turn key, absolutely nothing happens, then a half second later, the starter
jumps to life like normal. This happens occassionally (after working
properly for years).
One time, starter doesn't work at all, had to replace.
Its going thru its delay thing again. I don't understand really, I think bad
connection somewhere inside starter.
Funny thing, when the starter didn't go, the electric trunk release didn't
work.

rick

[451ctds]

Running down clues helps solve many electrical problems, Since the trunk
release isn't working, I'd see where it gets its power. My guess is dirty
solenoid wire terminals. Disconnect battery, remove solenoid wires. Big
terminal has several
power taps, along with battery cable. That's a good place to start. A
wimpy connection may be keeping the solinoid
from energizing fully. For the ultimate in starter performance get a Ford
Conversion which includes a solenoid shunt.
The shunt insures a full blast of amperage, no current lost in wiring
harness. The Ford Relay can be jumpered with
those cheezy Radio Shack jumper wires without the wire getting warm.