Electrical/Electronics Problems

[$awdust]

I couple of issues... Starts with what I believe to be the security system/keys/key reader.

It was about every fourth or fifth time that the car was started, it would sputter and gag and act like it was flooded. It would run for a little bit but the security light on the dash would not go out. I would let it die or shut it off and try another key or the valet key, and after two or three tries, it would fire up normally and the security light would go off. I took it to the local pontiac dealer and they could not replicate the problem, so they did nothing.

First question Anyone have any similar problems? I have a theory that the key is not talking to the car and it thinks it s being stolen. Is there any way to disable, correct or fix? New ignition switch?

The new problem, and I believe it is related to the old problem, the starter has apparantly failed. I think the car would not start and my significant other ground on the starter for awhile. The car apparently makes all kinds of noise put the starter will not turn over. I have not had a chance to look at it yet as this happened some distance away. (The car is 100 miles away).

Second question, how hard is to get to the starter? My 68 LeMans was 2/3 bolts and some wires, but I haven't gone looking for the starter on my '01 Bonneville yet. Any way I can diagnosis as definitely a starter problems before I spend the $170?


Thanks for any and all help and suggestions.

[00Beast]

First thing, is it clicking at the starter, or does nothing happen when you turn the key?

[$awdust]

First thing, is it clicking at the starter, or does nothing happen when you turn the key?

It clicks at the starter, battery is fully chrarged, and the buddy I had go try and rescue her says it sound like something is running, even with no key in the ignition.

[00Beast]

Clicking at the starter shows that the key is working. Did you try hitting it?

FYI, the starter is on the front bottom of the engine. It's held in by a few bolts and some wiring. I've never had to do a 3800, but most cars it isn't terribly difficult.

[$awdust]

Clicking at the starter shows that the key is working. Did you try hitting it?

FYI, the starter is on the front bottom of the engine. It's held in by a few bolts and some wiring. I've never had to do a 3800, but most cars it isn't terribly difficult.

I guess my buddy tried beating on the starter and it didn't help.

Does the factory security system shut off the gas or disable the electrical if it does not read the chip in the key correctly?

[Archon]

Both the starter and fuel delivery will be disabled if the key is not read properly. So, you wouldn't even get a click from the starter.

[$awdust]

Both the starter and fuel delivery will be disabled if the key is not read properly. So, you wouldn't even get a click from the starter.

This gets stranger and stranger... Prior to the starter problems, it would turn over and start but run very roughly with the security light staying on. Shut it off, restart and if the security light went off, it would run fine. Has anyone ever shut off the factory security stuff?

[00Beast]

If the starter clicks, it's not the security system. And no, there really isn't a way to "disable" the security stuff, at least not without re-wiring the entire car.

[Mechanical Mike]

Except for the security light coming on you're showing symptoms of upper intake failure. Check the coolant level, oil level & see if the crank will turn by putting a wrench on the crank or alternator bolts.

[$awdust]

Finally went and got the car today. I guess it needed a rest because it started right up. Drove straight home. When I got home I shut it off and the key won't come out of the ignition.

I think my problems could be the ignition switch. Is that something I can do myself? Do I need a switch with matching keys? How do I program to read the new keys?

I pulled to panel off that is under the steering wheel (Swith is in the dash), thinking I would be able to get to the back of hte switch, but it is more complicated than that.

Dealer only deal?

[Metz]

Finally went and got the car today. I guess it needed a rest because it started right up. Drove straight home. When I got home I shut it off and the key won't come out of the ignition.

I think my problems could be the ignition switch. Is that something I can do myself? Do I need a switch with matching keys? How do I program to read the new keys?

I pulled to panel off that is under the steering wheel (Swith is in the dash), thinking I would be able to get to the back of hte switch, but it is more complicated than that.

Dealer only deal?

To get to the switch you need to remove the dash piece that goes around the instrument cluster (there are 2 push clips on the top, above the speedo and tach) and remove the radio. There are 2 10mm bolts holding the ignition switch in.

[$awdust]

[quote="Metz
To get to the switch you need to remove the dash piece that goes around the instrument cluster (there are 2 push clips on the top, above the speedo and tach) and remove the radio. There are 2 10mm bolts holding the ignition switch in.[/quote]

After I do that, do I just pull the switch through the hole were the radio was? I have the bolts pulled but the switch remains in the hole and didn't want to force it until I knew where to go with it.

[$awdust]

Thanks to the forum for the help.
For the benefit of others down the road who have similar problems, it was the switch that caused the non-starting. It also died a couple of times while driving. Nothing like doing 70 in the passing lane when the car shuts itself off.