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Will not start

Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
Hi guys,

I have the car listed above with 200,000 miles on the body, 50,000 on the re-manned engine.

The battery is good, three months old. Holds a charge.

The starter has been replaced, still will not start.

I do want to mention, the week prior to it not starting, by engaging the lights, I was able to get it running a few times.

Put in a new ignition switch and it still does not start.

There are two wires (pictures below) that connect to the old ignition switch and I have not done anything with them upon installing the new switch. The new switch comes with a key that does not have the resistor technology on it.

I am wondering how to proceed given these wires that are currently attached, and if it is still an ignition switch issue or a wiring issue that needs to be diagnosed.

What is happening is similar to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAH3NkQVDnM

Also want to note: The security light, airbag light, and engine light stay on frequently now. The fuses I have checked look fine.

Thanks.
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 AT 7:14 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Is this possibly what is going on? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnxSEqDHhrs
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

The key that came with your new ignition switch is called a skeleton key. This is a key that will work the tumblers but does not have the resistor.

The next step is to go the the parts department at a GM dealership with the new key and the old key. They will measure the resistance of the old key resistor and get you a blank key. They will then cut the key to match the skeleton key so you have the correct set up.

When you get home, turn the key to the on position and then to start, let the key come back to on. Leave the key on for ten minutes or until the theft light or security light goes out. Then repeat the process two more times. After the third time, the password will be learned and the security system should allow the engine to crank over.

Let us know how you make out.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Roy,

Thanks for the response. I assumed this would be the next step. I do want to get clarification as to the new switch not having the white wires pictured attached. What do I do with those wires? Do I snip them while adding the new resistors? Do I keep the old ignition switch and do this process with that? The parts store guy said it would be $100.00 or more for the key which is not what I would like to do. I simply want to match the resistor amount then go through this process.

Also, my fob does not work for resetting as it has water damage.

Does that make sense?
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, measure the resistance of the old key resistor. Then you need to get a resistor of the same ohms.

Then follow the two wires down to the bottom of the column to the connector. Release the connector and put the resistor into the harness to the car. That will bypass the key all together and you should be able to use the skeleton key.

Roy
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi ASE Master 6371, I have followed your instructions and even put the other ignition switch in to see if it made a difference. As you can see, the resistors are now attached giving the 11,800 ohms. I am out of ideas.
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 2:02 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Was that the resistance of the resistor in the key?
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes.
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Update! Got it running as the ignition wire had a small break to the switch that did not appear to be an issue, however, after re-splicing the wire it started right up. Thanks for your help and timely responses. I was about to get it towed.
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
98BUICKREGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
On second thought, it started up this evening and I placed it in park after driving for a moment. Gauges still going haywire and flying all over the place. Then it stayed stuck in park and would not let me move it. Had to turn it off and it would not start again.
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Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like a voltage supply issue. I would check the connections at the battery and then replace the positive battery cable. I have seen where they lose connection due to internal corrosion which will cause the problem you are having.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 10:53 AM

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