i have an intermittined starting problem with the ignition switch, sometimes i have to put the shifter in neutral to start the car, other times it will start in park and when it won't start in park i get a 3 second ticking noise coming from the right side of the dashboard and no dash lights come on in the cluster just like it's got a dead battery but i had both starter and battery checked at autozone and these checked out ok. the car is a '99 cavalier any help to solving this mystery is greatful

This is caused by a faulty P/N safety switch.

Let me explain.

When you move the shifter into Park, the switch closes it contact allowing current flow to the starter relay, same with neutral.

It is most likely the contact for Pak position are worn out.




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new