car doesn't start
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, South Carolina
car doesn't start My car was working fine all day. I got some gas, went back to my house and an hour later i tried to go to the store and my car wouldn't start. It doesn't turn over or crank or anything. It makes no noise at all. It's not the battery because my headlights, radio, and windows work. I took off the starter and took it to pep boys and they said it was fine. It was running at like 9V and it got pretty hot when the guy was testing it. It also started to smoke a little, but he said since he got a voltage reading from the starter, the car should make some kind of noise when i tried starting it. Any ideas what is wrong? I notice when i try to start my car, the security light flashes. I don't ever really pay attention to my dash so i'm not sure if it normally flashes when trying to start the car. Thanks
Originally Posted by BlackTA519
yeah i've tried the spare and it still doesn't start up
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, South Carolina
my starter isn't on the car right now so i can't try cranking it up again. But before i removed the starter, i tried the spare key and it still didnt work and i never use the spare key. My car is a 2000 and the warranty expired. I might just get it towed to pontiac and get it diagnosed
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: CT
My 98z would do that like atleast 1 once or twice a year. Samething ur car does you turn the key nothing happens i am not sure why it does that my autostart doesnt even work so i doubt it was my key i also tried 2nd key still did the same thing. It could be bad ignition switch. Is your car stick or auto see if you can push start it.
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TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Your description of the parts store test says to me "replace the starter" .
9V what does that mean? The starter needs at least 12 plus volts.
"Smoking a little" I think thats like "a little pregnant"
Buy a NEW starter off ebay for $89 bucks and be done with it
9V what does that mean? The starter needs at least 12 plus volts.
"Smoking a little" I think thats like "a little pregnant"
Buy a NEW starter off ebay for $89 bucks and be done with it
check all your fuses in the box on the side of the dash. i was messing around with changing gauges once and got a set that went for a 2001 car and my car is a 98. gauges are year specific by the way fellas. anyway, i put the wrong year gauges in and blew the fuse for the gauges. the car would do nothing when i turned the key. no crank, no noise. headlights worked and all electrical stuff worked except the gauges. no odometer came on, or any of the lights that come on when you start it up and this is after i put my stock gauges back in. so i think you need to check all your fuses. better than buying a starter if you dont have too.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Anna, OH
I don't know if you have the same setup as my '97 LT1 B4C, but when mine did that it was the ignition switch. It had to be replaced and required pulling the entire steering column (it's on top.)
This is a common problem on 93-97's--they had the part in stock at Autozone for ~$25. Maybe LS1's are different?
The indication of this problem is that all accessories work, but the instrument panel is totally dead and the car silent when you turn the switch.
This is a common problem on 93-97's--they had the part in stock at Autozone for ~$25. Maybe LS1's are different?
The indication of this problem is that all accessories work, but the instrument panel is totally dead and the car silent when you turn the switch.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, South Carolina
update:
I took my car to pontiac and had it diagnosed. They said my ignition lock cylinder was basically worn out and i needed a new one. They quoted me $440 for the part, labor, and new keys. Is the lock cylinder something easy that i can change out?
I took my car to pontiac and had it diagnosed. They said my ignition lock cylinder was basically worn out and i needed a new one. They quoted me $440 for the part, labor, and new keys. Is the lock cylinder something easy that i can change out?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Anna, OH
I think there's a general misconception here about what it takes to replace the ignition switch. The switch is not inside the column and is not where the key goes in. It is a mechanical box that sits on top of the steering column hooked to an actuator rod. The only thing that makes this job hard is that you can't reach it without dropping the column down. That's only 2 bolts and about 8 cable disconnects.
I pulled the whole column because I have big hands, but that was only 3 more bolts in the firewall and 1 through the steering yoke (under the hood).
I pulled the whole column because I have big hands, but that was only 3 more bolts in the firewall and 1 through the steering yoke (under the hood).
