Starting problems

**01RaptorTA** · 02-05-2008, 12:14 PM

Well it started with the security system messing up. My car alarm would go off randomly. Unplugged motion sensor, fixed. Then my security light would come on, and kill everything having to do with starting the car for 3 minutes. I got used to it, if i put the key in and turned it without hesitation, it would start up. Well now i put the key in, turn it, and nothing. Everything lights up, but the car doesnt turn on, and there isnt any security light. Ive read up on that sticky about bypassing VATS. I got a new key to first make sure that wasnt the problem (it wasnt), and tried the resister method using the reading i got from both keys. Granted, i could not find an exact match, so i tried all resistors close to it, above and below. Nothing. Im guessing my problem is with the ignition cylinder now. And my question is, has anyone ever read or seen any write-ups on replacing them, or has replaced them personally? Or any insight to what another problem might be? Thanks in advance.

**Orcus79** · 02-05-2008, 02:58 PM

Well first off you do know that the alarm can be programed to ignore the shock sensor.

As for it being the ignition switch odd are its possible.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-05-2008, 04:51 PM

I do now. It probably wasnt as easy as just unplugging a cord though lol. Im not worried about it being stolen. I work at a place in the middle of nowhere, and its in the garage overnight. Even if someone got it, i have full coverage. But in any event... thanks for the reply.

**Orcus79** · 02-05-2008, 05:29 PM

Yea its quite a procedure to go through to reprograme the alarm, you need the owners manual, to know what fuse you pull, and who to get into the programing by listening to the the dings and such.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-05-2008, 05:49 PM

Lol yea...its not worth the time to turn it off. I dont get the benefits of doing it that way, all i did was unplug it and boom...no more problem.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-05-2008, 08:26 PM

Another question...ive been reading up on ignition switches and key switches...whats the difference? And if i replace one, do i have to replace the other? The key switches are 150-250 bucks, but the ignition switches are only 15 bucks at autozone...

**Orcus79** · 02-05-2008, 08:30 PM

ahhm nope, the ignition switch is a little box at the bottom of the columb that a pawel moves in switching the circuits from start, run and accessory, the key switch is what it sounds like, that is where you put your key and actuate that pawel it is also where the the key resistor is read from.

**LETHALxLS1** · 02-05-2008, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by 01RaptorTA

Lol yea...its not worth the time to turn it off. I dont get the benefits of doing it that way, all i did was unplug it and boom...no more problem.

Do you think you may have caused a problem by unpluging the sensor? See what happens if you plug the sensor back in and unplug the battery for 5 minutes. In other words it seems like the car not starting didnt happen until you unplugged the sensor correct? sorry if that seems dumb just trying to help by backtracking- maybe I am on the wrong page?

**0rion** · 02-05-2008, 10:42 PM

like lethal said, first plug that back in and see what happens. I'm wondering if when you unplugged it that's keeping the security light from coming on. Seems kinda odd that you would have a vats issue and now this. My money is that it's still a vats issue. How close were you on your resistor numbers? Keep in mind that depending on if you use a gold or silver band resistor there's either a ±5% or ±10% to the resistor numbers. You need to be pretty close to median number.
When you turn the key do you hear the fuel pump prime?

**01RaptorTA** · 02-07-2008, 08:09 PM

Sorry for the delay, havnt had my comp running.
To lethal: The security sensor problem was around 6 months ago, so i dont think they're tied into eachother. however im going to try that out regardless, plugging it back in. I didnt even think to try that.
Orion: I was close, either 2 over or 2 under. Radioshack didnt have much of a selection so i bought the variety pack that had a bunch of everything. And yea, when i turn the key on, everything powers up except the engine. You can hear a whining sound, which im guessing is the fuel pump?

Thanks for the responses guys. Ill plug it back in tomorrow and update.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-08-2008, 05:40 PM

Update: Plugging it back in didnt do anything. Guessing i should start ordering a key switch?

**LETHALxLS1** · 02-09-2008, 12:07 PM

Damn! that sucks. Did you unhook the battery for 5 minutes to allow everything to reset? Hope you get her fixed soon!

**01RaptorTA** · 02-09-2008, 02:00 PM

Yup, unplugged it and let it sit, still nothing. Anyone ever swapped a key switch out? How hard is it?

**badchvy** · 02-10-2008, 04:48 AM

I had a similiar problem, check the ground to the battery

**LETHALxLS1** · 02-10-2008, 08:47 PM

The last key switch I had put in a locksmith did it for $40-that was a few years ago and it was a regular key no elect shit.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-11-2008, 05:32 PM

I checked the ground, it seemed alright. I relocated it just incase, and nothing. Im ordering the key switch sometime this week. Wont be able to put it in for a while due to it being 10 below all week...

**LETHALxLS1** · 02-11-2008, 08:27 PM

You checked all the fuses? I know thats an obvious question but.........

**01RaptorTA** · 02-12-2008, 12:24 AM

Lol yea, i did.

**01RaptorTA** · 02-12-2008, 12:30 AM

If i buy a key and ignition switch off of a used T/A, would it be plug-and-play?

Or... If i buy a brand new one, am i going to have to take it to a locksmith to get a new key made to make the resistence of the key switch?

**Bouvers** · 02-12-2008, 03:39 PM

lol -10 man I would kill for that... I'm not making fun of you or anything it just seems funny because I was working on my car last week and it was -40 :P I guess I'm just stupid for working on it when its that cold :P