1996 cavalier start problem

i have a 1996 chevy cavalier. just yesterday it started starting strange. when i turn the key it's dead for a split second and then it fires right up. sometimes it starts right up like it is supposed to though. what do any of you experts think it could be? starter, battery, battery cables or something else? battery and starter are about 4 years old. alternator is about 6 years old. i just replaced both oxyegen sensors 2 weeks ago to get rid of a check engine light. i don't know much about cars. i'm looking for some advice. thanks.

 

Could be ignition switch, too, but start with the battery/starting system components you've already named. If you get solid cranking once it does kick in, probably not battery or alternator, although at 4 years you can plan on a battery pretty soon. Also a four year old starter, that was probably a reman, could be a suspect.

I would start be removing and cleaning the cable coneections at the battery (+ & -) and the starter. Question: Are the battery cable clamps original or have they ever been replaced with the bolt-on replacement type ends? These are notorious for corroding under the attachment point. Also, before it kicks in and cranks do you get any sound at all, clicks from the hood, etc?

 

no sound at all before it cranks

 

original battery connectors.

 

I had a similar problem that was caused by my signal wire to the starter.

 

do you replace the signal wire, or did it come loose or have to reseat it?