Starter not turning over

[Spartan]

ok,  I just got my car home this week.  I have been running all week and everything is great.  This morning I go to start it and it doesn't turn over at all.  All the lights work, I tried to jump start it in case the battery might be drained and its not that.  I tried to tap on the starter in case there was a flat spot and nothing.  When I turn the key there is no click or any indication that there is power going to it.  Any suggestion where to start looking?  Agghh, the most beautiful day of the year and I can't drive the baby....  Any suggestions would be welcome.  I didn't see any fuses blown or any broken wires I could trace and the other key positions do what they are supposed to, I just don't hear anything from the starter...

Thanks,

[maxwellwedge]

Check all your connections to the starter and check the yellow wire going to the starter relay - on the firewall on a B-Body. Try jumping the starter relay across the terminals with a screwdriver and see if it cranks (make sure the car is not in gear!). If it cranks with a screwdriver it is either the relay or the wiring from that yellow wire to the ignition switch.

[Spartan]

good info, thanks!  I will give it a try.

[Spartan]

Well, the screwdriver trick worked!  I checked all the fuses first and made sure the relay was getting 12v with a meter and it was.  used the screwdriver and the starter turned over.  Then I went back into the car, turned the key and the crazy thing started right up!  I don't know if the relay was stuck open or what it was but best not to question the gods.  Thanks for the advice!

[mikepmcs]

That or you have a bad ground.  Glad you got it started.

[RECHRGD]

Neutral safety switch going bad?  Did you try jiggling the shifter in neutral or park?   Bob

[Spartan]

ya, I tried the jiggling the shifter thing first and it didn't work.  It might be the ground but I will have to hunt that down.  i did notice my entire insterment cluster would bounce up periodically and then settle back down.