1997 monte carlo 3.1 No crank problem. Battery good, all lights work. Starter cranks if jumped between solenoid terminal and hot starter terminal. Have tried both keys.

It could be your security system, do you have a factory key with a chip?

no crank
1: battery dead, not charged. does it jump crank?
2: bad battery (corroded clean em) cables lugs. (4 ends)
3: bad starter /solenoid, assembly
4: engine seized, (turn it by hand you cant?)
5: bad key line, (from key switch to PRNDL to stater , no connections)

jump start it, if passed test, battery bad/discharged , and if fail?
you then (battery is good)
hot wire the starter solenoid, keys in pockets
fail? yes, bad starter, seized engine. turn by hand , now you know.
if passes hot wire test, bad key line. (tiny wire)

easy huh?

Here are some possible reasons:

Park/neutral switch is open.
Poor ground connection to starter.

You can test the park/neutral switch by either jumping the solenoid (connect the hot terminal to the start terminal to see if the starter cranks--if it does, the ground is good) or by interrogating the starter relay socket. To interrogate the relay socket, use a 12 volt test light connection the clip to battery positive. Probe the socket terminals with the test light. If only one terminal lights the light, your park/neutral switch is bad or the start wire to the solenoid is bad.

Possibly the netural switch,try it in netural,move the shift lever slightly while turning the key.

solenoid clicking, troubleshooting steps: Run 3 tests to troubleshoot.

1. try to jump start at battery terminals
2. unhook the jumpers and try to jump the solenoid following procedures at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6222268-engine_doesnt_crank_turn_over (see picture there--make sure car is in park or neutral)
3. Only if #1 and #2 fail to crank the engine, smack the starter motor (not the solenoid) with a hammer and then try to start.

Based on results of above tests, here are solution options:

If smacking the starter is the only test that worked, you have a dead spot on the starter commutator--replace the starter.

If it will jump start but will not crank by jumping the solenoid, check to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

If it will not jump start and will not crank even by jumping the solenoid, the problem is either the cable to the starter or the starter/solenoid itself.
check the big red wire that goes from the battery to the starter and make sure it is strong and tight at both ends. If that is good, replace the starter/solenoid.

If it will not jump start but will crank when the solenoid is jumped, the problem is with the start circuit not getting sufficient current to the solenoid. This usually only happens when there is a separate starter relay (in the engine compartment relay box) that is worn out. Replace the starter relay.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Easier to test in the car. Put starter back in the car. First, please try to jump start the car. If it will jump and start, starter is OK. If it will not jump start, go to the starter with a screwdriver. Use the screwdriver to short the big red-wire terminal to the small terminal on the solenoid. Be very careful not to short the big red-wire terminal to anything else, or you will get a big spark. If the battery, starter, and solenoid are good, the car will crank. If it does not crank, try again while jumping the battery to another car. If it cranks, the battery is low or the terminals need to be cleaned and tightened. If you have more questions, please reply.

Most likely it is a Starter Solenoid or ignition switch if starter turns but motor does not crank the bendix may not be kicking in on the starter even if it is turning also check flywheel for broken teeth.....Good Luck

If you can bypass the solenoid by "jumping" the solenoid, then replace the solenoid. You could also check your starter relay, and starter fuse.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

You can reset the computer by disconnecting the battery terminals from the battery and touching them together for 60 seconds. This probably won't fix your problem.

Is the 'weird noise' the normal noise you hear when you crank a car over? If so, that's the starter. If you don't hear it, you have a starter issue. You may want to try holding the brake, turning the key on to the first click, pulling the shifter into neutral, and trying. Sometimes this works and indicates a failing park/neutral switch. If not that, put car back into park. Have someone gently tap the starter with a hammer while you crank the engine. Sometimes this will jar a dead starter into motion. In that case, change the starter.

Ring back with more details if you need.

Try this:

Turn ON headlights and try to crank...

1. Headlights turn off completely means that the battery terminals need cleaning. Remove cables and clean clamps and posts.
2. Headlights have a noticable dimming means that the starter needs to be replaced.
3. No change in brightness. The headlights stay on, meand the starter solenoid needs replacing.