Car won't start!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 19, 2006 | 09:15 AM

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

Car won't start!

I was on my way to a meeting, and I tried to crank it up and it didn't even try. The accessories all came on and when I left the key in the ignition, the security light was on, but that is it. Any ideas?

Dec 19, 2006 | 09:26 AM

minivette

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 1,640

Likes: 0

From: Austin, Tx.

Broken ground in the steering column.

Dec 19, 2006 | 09:46 AM

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

well if this isn't weird - I searched the forums and some people said it may be the key that is dirty. It didn't look dirty, but I went ahead and cleaned it anyway. Sure enough, it started right up!

Now here is the new problem: The security light still stays on while driving! Any ideas?

Dec 19, 2006 | 09:50 AM

BizZzatch350

Moderator

iTrader: (33)

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 9,793

Likes: 15

From: T E X A S

Could be a ton of different things, when you turn the key forward whats the volt gauge do?

Dec 19, 2006 | 10:38 AM

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

i'll have to check that out and see what it does. I did just buy a new key and that didn't help at all.

Dec 19, 2006 | 10:43 AM

hoosierdady76

Teching In

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX. TEXAS A&M BABY!!!

disconnect your battery for at least 10 minutes and let the computer reset!! that should clear it up!!

Dec 19, 2006 | 11:05 AM

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

thanks hoosier! have you had this problem before?

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Verdad Gallardo

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Pouria Savadkouei

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Pouria Savadkouei

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Verdad Gallardo

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Verdad Gallardo

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Verdad Gallardo

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Verdad Gallardo

Dec 19, 2006 | 12:02 PM

chupr0kabra

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (10)

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,778

Likes: 0

From: Pearland, TX

I had that problem. I ended up having to have the whole ignition tumbler replaced. Not cheap.

-Mike

Dec 19, 2006 | 12:16 PM

#10

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

Hey Mike,
can you tell me more about what happened and how much it was?

edit: woohoo! 1,000 posts!

Dec 19, 2006 | 12:20 PM

#11

H/C LS6Z

TECH Resident

iTrader: (4)

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 970

Likes: 0

From: Dallas/CS/Nacogdoches

I've had that happen to. Try 2 things first unlock the doors with your keyless entry and then close em and then try cranking it, also try cleaning the key with rubbing alcohol. Sometimes it gets dirt and stuff in the ignition.
If that doesn't work do like the other guy said and disconnect the battery for 10 minutes

Dec 19, 2006 | 12:24 PM

#12

Bad Blu Formula

12 Second Club

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 3,593

Likes: 5

From: Houston

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomorews6

Hey Mike,
can you tell me more about what happened and how much it was?

edit: woohoo! 1,000 posts!

I had the same thing done and a new ignition cylinder with labor at the dealership was like 320.

Dec 19, 2006 | 01:07 PM

#13

nomorews6

Thread Starter

TECH Fanatic

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 0

From: TEXAS!!!

you will never guess what happened - i disconnected the battery for 15 minutes, reconnected and restarted. It came on for about 20-30 seconds and then shut off! Woohoo!!!! I shut down and started up again and while it was the last light to turn off, it still turned off. I think I am good now!

Thanks so much guys.

Dec 19, 2006 | 01:10 PM

#14

pennys58

On The Tree

iTrader: (13)

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 186

Likes: 0

From: Houston, Texas

Yah, i am guessing it is something with your alarm. I had the same problem with my car a while back. The alarm just needed to be reset. I am glad that it all worked out for you!

Dec 19, 2006 | 01:38 PM

#15

hoosierdady76

Teching In

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX. TEXAS A&M BABY!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomorews6

Glad I could help!!

Dec 19, 2006 | 02:25 PM

#16

chupr0kabra

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (10)

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,778

Likes: 0

From: Pearland, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomorews6

Hey Mike,
can you tell me more about what happened and how much it was?

edit: woohoo! 1,000 posts!

I don't remember how much it cost, but Raf's probably in the right ballpark with $320. This was a couple years ago. For me, it happened on a cold, rainy night (of course), when I jumped in the car, turned the key, and nothing happened. The dash lights turned on, the key turned, but it just wouldn't start. The Security light was flashing when I tried to turn the key. Eventually, I got it to start, but then the security light stayed on all the time. I took it to the dealership and at first, they said it was a problem with the light in the dash, until I reminded them that the CAR WOULDN'T START. They then tested the ignition cylinder and figured out the contacts for the VATS were worn out. New keys, new cylinder, and less money later, but all works well again now.

-Mike