starter needs a contact kit. if you pull the starter and take the plate with three screws off you can see the contacts.most parts stores carry the kits for about 15 bucks. a lot cheaper than buying a new starter.

 

how can it be the contacts when we took it into a shop and had it checked? the starter is fine. its somewhere between the ignition switch in the column and the starter itself. (the computer, relay, wires, ground, etc.)

 

Does the starter, or starter relay click when you turn the key to start?

 

There is also NO load on the starter when you take it out to have it tested.

 

the other common problem i seen is the wires breaking right before the ignition switch from using the tilt a lot. the other problem i seen is the key tumbler breaking and it won't turn the ignition switch far enough

 

If the started make a click, clunk or thud and does nothing try some gentle persuasion, ie tap with a hammer and try starting again. If you hear the relay clicking continuously and doing nothing try re-seating the relay, or swapping them. ASD and starter relay with horn.

 

thats a good point. but that doesnt explain why we can jump the power from POS to NEG post, and it starts. i think its in the wires, like suggested before

 

not sure of the relay. but there IS power gettin to the starter. maybe a bad ground or really bad connection?

 

Thats also a good point. Have you checked the wires under the steering column plastics that has been suggested before?

 

well, when we changed the ignition switch, everything look fine. but i guess if theres a break in the wire at the tilt, we mighta not seen it