Can't start my 1997 pontiac grand am?

[Sammy]

new starter, new altenator, new battery. you turn key and hear a tick from near the firewall passenger side. nothing tries to turn over, but it can be jumped by the starter. what could it be? we have gotten the key stuck twice and wouldn't turn all the way off.

 

[DOC]

That's right, but it is technically the key lock cylinder, and not the separate ignition switch, which is a different electronic piece. Your cylinder isn't quite activating the ignition switch to get enough power to the starter's solenoid, which activates it, hence the click you hear.

Replace ign. key cylinder, and have it programmed to match your key, or you'll have to accept new keys and dealer programming of the chip inside new unit. Used ones don't work.

 

[It All Matters.~??]

The ignition switch is bad. You need to replace it. It is not letting the starter solenoid work properly. It is not engaging.