Cold weather, car not starting

[cerisimo]

The story:

A few weeks ago the car sounded like it wanted to start, but would not turn over. I wiggled the wires leading to the spark plugs and the car started. If this was coincidence, or an indication of the problem, I do not know.

Last week it got really cold here in Ann Arbor. It was about 5 degrees F the first time I tried starting it and nothing happened. Lights came on, but no clicking from the starter. I assumed it to be a dead battery, or symptom of cold weather. After it warmed up, it was still behaving the same way. Tried jump starting the car, and it became obvious it is not a problem with the battery. The car is still dead, and it has warmed up to a balmy 16 degrees F, a temperature which it had no problems starting before.

Could this be a starter problem even though I hear no clicks? Any other suggestions to what the problem may be? Relays under the hood make noises when I turn the key, and these were just replaced less than a year ago.

Thanks!!

~Walking in Ann Arbor

[Kmaniac in California USA]

Sounds like a problem with your starter inhibitor switch, the switch that prevents you from starting your car in gear (automatic) or without the clutch pedal depressed (manual).

Do you have any automatic or manual transmission??