I have a Saturn SL1 2002 (Automatic). Twice before in the last three weeks the car did not start. I put it in neutral and then managed to start it. Today, it simply will not start anymore. All lights up. I hear the fuel pump turn on but no the starter does not turn. I have been wondering about these possible causes: 1. Linkage between transmission shifter and ignition 2. System that identifies the chip in the key and then allows it to start 3. Ignition system itself Any ideas? What is the most likely problem? Thanks

Does not have a starter relay , When turning to key to start ,the ignition switch sends battery voltage through the park neutral safety switch ,for automatic transmissions or the clutch switch for manual trans . right to the starter solenoid . If you have a automatic trans try putting the gear selector into neutral . an see if it starts then . Have someone try an start it while you check for battery voltage at the starter solenoid S terminal . If it has Battery voltage at the S terminal ,voltage drop test the main B+ cable to the starter .
Starter Voltage Drop

Free wiring diagrams here http://www.bbbind.com/free-tsb Enter vehicle info. Year , make , model . Under system click on engine , then under subsystem click on starting . Click the search button then the blue link.

Is it automatic. Or manual.

try putting it in neutral and start it, but it sounds like you need to replace or adjust the neutral safety switch

1988 , a very old car.
so is it a manual or a automatic, surely we cant guess this.
post the full symptoms.
like this?:
I cant; move the shift lever.
or
no matter where i put my lever, the car goes backwards.

and even more important, you can not select neutral
and last
when did car last run right, as a daily driver. last week , last decade?
when?
ok, how many miles on this car,100k 500k?

Automatic transmission ? Try moving gear selector to neutral ! Park neutral safety switch ?

Clean battery connections and try moving the shifter to the neutral shifter position to start if it's an automatic.this would check the safety neutral switch.but it is most likely the starter motor.
Last,if you see an anti theft light on the dash when this problem occurs,leave the key in the on position for 10 mins and try starting again.

If it is an Automatic transmission, try putting it in Neutral and retry. Sometimes they don't always get into park all of the way, and you can only start an automatic car in park or neutral.

If you can locate the starter,tap on it with a hammer a couple of times then try to start up.It may take several tries but it should work eventually because a starter doesn't usually fail 100%.If you can't locate it call around,someone will tell you for free because they want your business.Dealer,shops,whatever.Good luck!

Put some pressure on the steering wheel in one direction or the other this may take the pressure off the cylinder itself and allow you to do what is needed...hope this works.

is this automatic? or manual transmission?