87 Vauxhall Astra no ignition light

[Cathyhuns]

When turn ignition key only brake light comes on , no others and will not make starter motor turn. Battery and earth good.Any ideas what problem could be?

[Stinkerbell]

If the car has been fitted with an immobiliser it could be a fault with that or the ignition switch could be faulty. u will then need new ignition switch and barrel.

[d.holburn]

Just experienced the same problem on my 1990 Astra. Battery OK, connections to battery checked, headlights working fine, but starter wouldn't spin, solenoid didn't click, ignition lights working intermittently or not at all. Fault was the copper braided strap connecting the engine block to the body, on mine from a stud on the gearbox to the n/side chassis. Although it looked superficially OK, it was corroded and just bending it caused it to disintegrate. Replacing it cured the problem instantly.

[Cathyhuns]

Thanks for the suggestions. Traced the fault to the engine earth strap as well d.holborn. Had checked the battery earth strap but didn't know that there was another one. Luckily the RAC man did!!!