Dear Fellow Brickboarders,

Hope you're well. No start. Two days ago, smooth starts.

Now, not even a click or a "groan" from the starter

All bottom-of-cluster lights glow brightly. Key turns as smoothly as usual to the start position.

I can only move the shift lever by pressing the release button. Even then, no start when in neutral.

Three possibilities: (a) ignition switch; (b) neutral safety switch; (c) starter motor.

The battery read 12.83 volts; after a minute-long 200-Amp boost, the digital V-O-M reading was 13.08 volts. I tried to start during the 200-Amp boost. No change. I conclude the battery is serviceable.

Should I conclude the starter has "retired"? I ask, in the hope someone has seen the exact same symptoms, so can enable me to leap-frog the step-by-step analysis set forth in the FAQs.

The car lived in central Florida (away from the coasts) for some seven years before heading north. Since then, it has been garaged and driven only in salt-free seasons. Thus, I doubt corrosion on electrical connections is an issue. Even so, I last cleaned the battery terminals and clamps about two years ago.

I have handy a rebuilt-but-new starter. As much as I don't want to have to tackle the top starter bolt, I think I prefer that to the neutral safety switch.

Thanks for your help.

Yours faithfully,

Spook