Car trouble
- Thread starter jejton
- Start date
- Location
- Forest Hills
wow, if this is a re-occuring problem, i hope the newer models dont use this VAT system.
Targa - where is your shop?
My wife noticed that if she pushes the key further into the ignition, with some pressure, it starts on the first shot. Now I'm thinking that maybe the cold weather caused a slight shrinking in the cylinder, but enough so that the resister chip doesnt line up properly with whatever its supposed to line up with.
My wife noticed that if she pushes the key further into the ignition, with some pressure, it starts on the first shot. Now I'm thinking that maybe the cold weather caused a slight shrinking in the cylinder, but enough so that the resister chip doesnt line up properly with whatever its supposed to line up with.
Hey Eric..I asked the mechanics in the family about your issue and was told the following..first, try cleaning off the chip on the key with alcohol (most likely not the issue and also assuming you have more than 1 key and have tried them both).
Next, any GM dealership can put the key inside of their key machine (thingy, no idea what it is called) and they will know immediately if it is or isn't sending the proper signal.
You mentioned the alarm having been disconnected at one point as a possible solution to the issue back when your Dad first found the problem. Was the alarm an aftermarket alarm, or did it come in the car when it was new? Sometimes they are not disconnected properly and can cause issues similar to the one you currently have.
The issue could also be as simple as the ignition switch.
If the key is ok, and the alarm was properly disconnected, then the issue could be the computer the key 'talks' to. A GM dealership should be able to diagnose the issue in short order as they do have the computers to read any codes the car might be throwing and as I mentioned to test the key.
They did ask me a question I couldn't answer...does this happen EVERY time you attempt to start the car?
Btw, I know the car isn't a Chrysler, but issues with these systems are not unusual. My son told me they frequently get the same complaint where he works and Chrylser knows they have a problem with their design (different than the one GM uses). I was told that if it was the VAT, that after trying to start the car 3 times, the computer (if it is functioning properly) will lock you out and the car will NOT start period. The 2 mechanics here tend to think it is the ignition switch.
Next, any GM dealership can put the key inside of their key machine (thingy, no idea what it is called) and they will know immediately if it is or isn't sending the proper signal.
You mentioned the alarm having been disconnected at one point as a possible solution to the issue back when your Dad first found the problem. Was the alarm an aftermarket alarm, or did it come in the car when it was new? Sometimes they are not disconnected properly and can cause issues similar to the one you currently have.
The issue could also be as simple as the ignition switch.
If the key is ok, and the alarm was properly disconnected, then the issue could be the computer the key 'talks' to. A GM dealership should be able to diagnose the issue in short order as they do have the computers to read any codes the car might be throwing and as I mentioned to test the key.
They did ask me a question I couldn't answer...does this happen EVERY time you attempt to start the car?
Btw, I know the car isn't a Chrysler, but issues with these systems are not unusual. My son told me they frequently get the same complaint where he works and Chrylser knows they have a problem with their design (different than the one GM uses). I was told that if it was the VAT, that after trying to start the car 3 times, the computer (if it is functioning properly) will lock you out and the car will NOT start period. The 2 mechanics here tend to think it is the ignition switch.
Last edited:
Hey Kathy,
Thanks for the advice. I dont know if the alarm is after market but I don think so. This has happened to my father a couple of times a year or so ago and hasnt happened in the few months we have had the car until now and even now it doesnt happen consistently. I will try to find a local GM dealer to get it checked out.
Thanks for the advice. I dont know if the alarm is after market but I don think so. This has happened to my father a couple of times a year or so ago and hasnt happened in the few months we have had the car until now and even now it doesnt happen consistently. I will try to find a local GM dealer to get it checked out.
- Location
- Montclair, NJ
Have you tried keeping the key turned to see if the engine starts? My truck used to take forever to start and someone gave me what I thought was ridiculous advice at the time. They told me to get an oil change with synthetic oil. To my surprise it worked.
The car is up to date on oil changes, and holding the key in the start position doesnt do anything. It starts fine after a few attempts but when it doesnt start, it doesnt crank at all or click or anything. Just the electrics start up and the security light blinks.
- Location
- Montclair, NJ
Hmmmm. For some reason the synthetic oil made a difference versus regular oil but the car would try to turnover unlike your current experience.
It is so hard with the newer cars and computers to pinpoint what is wrong. If a sensor is screwed up somewhere it can cause a domino affect of false computer readings. Sometimes you have to change several sensors before you finally find out what the main issue is.
It is so hard with the newer cars and computers to pinpoint what is wrong. If a sensor is screwed up somewhere it can cause a domino affect of false computer readings. Sometimes you have to change several sensors before you finally find out what the main issue is.
- Location
- Dix Hills NY
Im sure you have already brought the car to the dealer but i was wondering if you have tried another key. Sometimes the keys or the little chip on them get loose and tend to not register right away. This could also be due to the ignition cylinder being worn. I noticed you said the computer needs to be replaced and that is highly unlikely. I would first check the basics . try another key, test the battery, test the starter, check all grounds. You can also measure the resistance of the chip on the key to see if it is functioning properly. You have to look up what the correct resistance is for your make and model but you can check it with a simple ohm meter. If you need any help i could check the car out for you.
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