Buick won't start

[callbay]

2002 Buick regal 149,000 miles v6. Good shape and has a new battery runs well.

It tries to start for about one second when you turn the key. If you keep jiggling the key right at that place it tries to start you can get it to try several times.

It is locked in park no mater where they key is.

My code reader will not read the codes or erase them. It says error.

So far we have tried, new starter, bypassed the VATS (vehicle antitheft system) with the resistor that matches the key, and a have new ignition starter switch.

We have not replaced the ignition lock cylinder or the BCM (Body Control Module).



Please help! Thanks!

 

[Trav]

Console mounted shifter?

 

[BigCahuna]

My son had an old Oldsmobile that did a similar type of thing. Turned out to be the crankshaft sensor went bad.Did you check that yet?.,,,

 

[callbay]

It's a console mounted shifter.

I have not checked the crankshaft position sensor.

How can I tell if the sensor is bad? It is a hard one to change.

 

[irad]

If it is like my daughter's 2001 Malibu, there is a cable that runs from the shifter to the ignition lock. The cable needs oil. Pushing on the cable in the shifter assembly will unlock the mechanism in the ignition lock.

 

[mk378]

Scanner won't link up usually means the PCM is missing power or a ground, or (rarely) a bad PCM. The PCM syatem is grounded to the engine through small wires, make sure they are intact.

I think with the GM the check engine light should come on when you turn the key on but don't crank. That usually means the PCM is doing something.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: callbay
It's a console mounted shifter.

I have not checked the crankshaft position sensor.

How can I tell if the sensor is bad? It is a hard one to change.


Check the fuses, on some GM models its common for the ECM to be on the same line as the lighter. People throw change in the console and a coin shorts it, they have no idea something isn't right until the go for the OBD emissions test and the machine cant communicate.
There should be a small cover on the console that you can remove and push a skinny screwdriver in there to push the interlock, its probably on the right side of the shifter.

http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/gm/3.8L/how-to-test-the-crank-sensor-1

 

[CT8]

Get a wiring diagram and start chasing the wires. I would see if there is a starterrelay

 

[funflyer]

I'd start by changing the ignition switch. Very commom problem with GM vehicles in the early 2000s.

 

[CT8]

Diagnose then change the parts if needed.

 

[Trav]

Naw, throw enough parts at it and it will fix anything and everything eventually.

 

[Merkava_4]

Thread title says the car won't start, but the thread content is indicating that the engine won't turnover. Big difference; I wonder which one it is. Mechanics call that either a crank/no-start or a no-crank/no-crank.