Car trouble

[jejton]

I'm hoping someone here can give me some good advice before I take the car to the mechanic tomorrow (I'm hoping this is an easy self-fix at the minimum, but worst case if I have to take it in, I'd like to avoid getting raped, figuratively speaking ). I have a '99 Bonneville and since last night I've been having trouble starting it. Fluid levels all appear to be fine and the car hasnt hit a major pothole or anthing - it was running fine until this. When I try to start the car, it takes four or five attempts before the engine starts. When it doesnt start, there aren't any clicking sounds or anything coming from the engine. When I turn the key, all the electricals - dashboard lights, headlights, radio, even the A/C - all come on but the engine doesnt start. The battery level indicator goes up a little, but not full strength and the Security light flashes ( airbag flashes and then goes off and everything else remains lit ). After a few attempts, the engine starts normally and the battery indicator ( as well as all the others ) show normal readings and the car runs fine. Any ideas?

 

[skimacka]

The engine doesn't turn over when you hit the key?

 

[Killerdrgn]

Old cars tend to have a hard time starting in the cold.

 

[Davidl919]

You should go to sears and have the battery checked if you take it to a mechanic you might get the run around at least with sears they will check the battery tell you it's fine or you need to replace and if they tell you it's fine then go see a mechanic to have your starter looked at What you are describing points towards the battery not having enough Cold cranking amps CCA for short or a sticky starter. Without actually being in front of the car it is hard to diagnose but Hope this helps.

 

[TimberTDI]

It sounds like your starter is on its way out. If you don't change it out soon it will totally crap out on you. Remember Murphy's Law---> it's going to stop working at the worst possible time.

When I try to start the car, it takes four or five attempts before the engine starts.

If it was the battery, the car wouldn't start after 4-5 attempts.

 

[jejton]

Yeah, the engine doesnt turn at all but after a few tries, the engine starts normally. I will go to Sears first thing to get the battery checked and if need be, will go to the mechanic afterwards.

 

[NYreefNoob]

It sounds like your starter is on its way out. If you don't change it out soon it will totally crap out on you. Remember Murphy's Law---> it's going to stop working at the worst possible time.

agreed 100% if it was the battery it wouldnt start, the starter solenoid is sticking and after a few times is catching allowing it to start, if you can see the starter, next time it does it if you can tap the start with a hammer or such

 

[jejton]

I dont even know what the starter looks like or where to look for it. How much should I expect to pay to replace it ( assuming it's thet starter, and it has to be replaced )?
I knew I should have taken that auto repair course back when I was in junior high.

 

[autoponicz]

yep +5 its the starter...
depending on how much the starter is gonna cost you....auto shop's discount price plus what they tack on top of that...and about 1 hour labor ...
start asking a few shops and go with the one that sounds the most honest...and then you can build a relationship with them..

 

[NYreefNoob]

you can also just call some autopart places and see how much it goes for, find a decent sho though, alot of shady shops down in the city

 

[jejton]

Im out in Suffolk. Been using a local guy who seems somewhat honest but its always best to know before I go in what to expect so my **** alarm can be prepared.

 

[jejton]

Well it wasnt the starter after all. It's the VAT - the mechanic said that the key ( its one with a chip ) and the computer have to be replaced. Now I'm wishing it was the starter. So off to the dealer it is.

 

[reefman]

replacing the computer? wow, sound like mucho $, especially from the dealer. i wouldn't spend too much on repairs. good luck.

 

[autoponicz]

maybe you should try another shop to be sure...

 

[Davidl919]

Well Hopefully you are handy and here is site that shows you how to bypass the VAT system HERE

 

[NYreefNoob]

jetson a local repair shop isnt going to be able to diagnos that, and with what you explained what it does i really doubt thats the problem, when a comp goes there is no after 2 or 3 turns it works, those chips were used to keep people from stealing the car because you cant just peel the column to start it anymore

 

[jejton]

I hear what you're saying but my father had a similar problem a couple of times before he gave us the car. At the time, they also thought it was the starter and replaced it ( about a year ago ) and then it was decided ( I dont know if it was a mechanic or a dealer shop ) that it was something with the alarm or key system so the alarm was disconnected. What else do you think it might be ?

 

[jejton]

BTW - This ( from the link provided by David ) describes what's happening, including the blinking security light.
When you insert your ignition key and attempt to start the car, will the car not even attempt to crank over? Does the "Security" light flash during any time you're attempting to start the car?

 

[autoponicz]

welll...seems like that could be the problem then.....i guess its off to the dealer you go...but first try remody it from the site...it will save you hundreds

 

[ghostshadow]

i might be too late but check all the grounds in the engine bay.. especially if there is one directly to the starter. the grounds are pretty easy to spot.

dan