Hello one and all! I've been searching through the forums for about 3 days now trying to come across an answer for my ignition problem. Mine is a little unique though! Initially, the car wouldn't start - it was struggling. My key was looking a worse for wear - The "chip" was actually sliding a bit, in and out of the key itself. When trying to turn over, it seemed as if the battery was weak. After letting it sit, it did start, but I had to give it gas to get it to start (not good I know). Then it happened again, the car would not start. The fuel pump was engaging upon turning key - so I assumed battery (i never even thought of O2 sensor at that point).

I then disconnected the battery and cleaned the contacts hoping for a quick fix!! LOL..... upon reconnecting the battery, the Pass-Key II system whined at me for about a minute - it was then I realized i had not bypassed the system before unhooking the battery. The security light usually stays lit on the dash, so I figured my VATS was shot anyways. I don't even think I could have bypassed it - I bought the car used, and was not given any type code (but Im not sure the passkeyII even uses the radio/codes). With my luck, I'm blessed the anti-theft lugnut tool came in the center console!

I'm thinking the car is in some sort of theft deterrent mode, due to me just ripping out the battery! Because now the thing has nothing. The security light goes off, but I get nothing when I turn the key. No fuel pump action or anything. I turned the radio on while trying to start it and Im getting this horrible "pulsing" (i.e volume/signal quickly fading in and out) of the radio when I turn the key. While turning now, I am only hearing a "clicking" located somewhere under the dash on the passenger side. I had a buddy turn the key while I was under the hood, there is a like noise coming from the fuses/relay box. As of right now (without looking) Im not sure if this model is ODBII compliant or not. I'm trying to do this repair DIY, so I'm hoping it is.

I got a list of things that could be wrong, in any combination. Bad fuel pump, bad battery, starter motor, solenoid, ignition cylinder. neutral safety switch, O2 sensor, starter enable relay. Or it could be as simple as bypassing the VATS, with my luck probably not. Any help, suggestions and general guidance is GREATLY Appreciated.

 

have u tried to jump start it or charge the battery?

 

Thanks for the time craby! I have not charged or tried a jumpstart!
Once the car fires up the battery seems to be good. Only seems sluggish during start-up.
In a few hours I am picking up a set of screw in side terminal charging posts for my charger.

My only question pertains to the passkeyII... If I yank out and charge the battery, isn't the car going to cut power to the fuel pump and injectors - thinking a thief is at work? Either way, I will give the battery a charge and see what happens!

 

OK, I charged the battery. It held a 12 volt charge - but put it back into the car and still no go. I hooked the battery to a tester and it was only putting out 12 percent of the amps it should. Took the battery back, got pro rated on my damaged core, ended up paying only 27 bucks for a new battery. So far so good. Thanks craby! Sometimes I assume the worst and overlook the simple steps!

My new question pertains to the stock antitheft system in my car. What the hell is wrong with it? I am able to pull the battery without bypassing it...isn't that technically not possible? At least in my owners manual (downloaded - didnt come with the car) it says that just pulling the battery will set off my VATS. But it obviously didn't. Sometimes when driving the security light stays lit - other times it does not (been like that since I bought the car). Anyone have a like issue or experience with PassKeyII ?

 

good deal. ive never had problems with unhooking the battery and vats. but then i always had the key in the ignition. lol. the messed up key is probly whats causing the light. u can find the ohm reading on the key and pick one up for 8 or 10 bucks. then u can have it cut at any hardware.