hey guys, I own a 2000 sunfire, 2.2 liter. anyways in 03 I had to take into the dealer to get some box put on the ignition, it was a recall, in case of a fire or something. It had worked fine till about a few weeks ago. when i turned the key one time and nothing happened, everything lit up but she wouldn't make a sound, i tryed everything, till i took a screwdriver and just tapped that little recall box easily, and way she started. so everytime my car does that, i need to get out and pop the hood and just tape it and she fires up. is there anyway i could do something with this? Called the dealer and they said they won't have them till 3 or 4 month's which is retared but only spot to get them around here.
any idea's???
Thanks

Sounds like a starter issue. Check to make sure that you have proper power and grounds to the starter from the starter relay. Try to have someone start you car and see if you are getting a power to the starter. If you are replace starter, if not it could be ether wiring harness, relay, fuse box or ignition switch related.





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If tapping the recall "box" is fixing it, then put a new relay (the actual name for the box) in there. It's a standard weather-proof relay. Car won't start without it, as you've already found out...

I had problems with mine too... somehow rain got into it and corroded the contacts of the relay. Mine did all sorts of funky stuff... starting itself (bad, when you park it in gear.. oops!), starter wouldn't disengage, wouldn't work, etc... a new relay solved my problems.

hey thanks but i don't think that's it. I just replaced my started the other day and it's still doing it. Like not often just a few times a week. I just get someone to tap the little grey box located right beside my battery on the front frame with a screwdriver while i turn the key, and the car kicks in and starts. it's weird, and annoying. how i can turn the key and nothing at all, but to turn it while someone in just taping lightly on a little box and she starts. the car works and run's perject once started.
anyhelp would be great

As john Lenko says it's the relay needs replacing not the starter--the relay that was introduced by that recall!!


Alont

what is the the name of the box? what do i have to ask for??? I No a guy that has a 2000 sunfire for parts. I'll call him up and ask him, what is it really called?? Starter Relay Box?

John Lenko wrote:recall "box" = a standard weather-proof relay.

You can lead a horse to water..........