If the ignition switch goes bad would it prevent the starter from engaging? Or does it just prevent spark/coils firing?

Having an intermittent starting issue. Doesn't turn over or click, battery is good. When it does it the fuel pump primes and all electronics work, just no engagement or noise from starter.

All wires are snug on starter and battery. No frayed or stretched wires in the steering column.

Ideas?

 

Check all your grounds. You can also disconnect the "S" wire (trigger wire) from the starter and run a wire directly from the battery and touch it to the trigger connector (where you disconnected the "S" wire. If it cranks up then you know it's a wiring issue.

But if the starter isn't even clicking when you turn the key, I'm leaning towards a bad starter. If you hit it with a hammer does it work then?

 

Honestly with a 2 week old baby and a 2.5 yo daughter at home etc, I don't have time or enough hands to run a jumper wire.
There was only one time it didn't start, do not sure tapping with a hammer. It's been starting fine now.
Just wanted to know the symptoms of a bad switch.

 

When I was testing grounds and power to my ECU, I just ran a long wire from the battery to the ECU from the outside of the car and used wire taps. Took 3 minutes max.

 

Cool.
At this point I really want to know the symptoms of a bad switch.