Starter Switch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Test the starter switch:

Before you start, ensure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle moves suddenly.
Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular hydraulic brake. DO NOT use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
For vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work ONLY in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter activates in any other gear position the vehicle requires immediate service.

For vehicles equipped with the manual transaxle, place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL (N) position, push the clutch pedal in halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way in, the vehicle requires immediate service.