Car will not start?

2005 CADILLAC CTS

160,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

It's been 8 weeks since I have been working on this car. I have lost my job because I can't get to work. The car ran fine. One day nothing with the key. It clicked so I got a battery. Still click so I got another battery now nothing, so I checked fuses. Nothing. So, I disconnected the battery then it cranked but it did not start. No sound from fuel pump so I checked fuse, it's good I wired pump direct to battery car cranked no start plugged back in fuel pump but unplugged fuel sensor on the top of engine. The car started but gas when higher and higher by itself, so I plugged back in sensor. Now nothing charged battery cranks no start, so I got another battery now just clicks. Air comes on when I put the key in the on position. The gas gauge does not move but when the car is going to crank the gauge will work. I got another ECM unit put it on same thing car just does nothing now. But charged battery car cranks sometimes when I fully charge battery but for only a couple of times I can try before it shut off. I think I have short I can't locate it. I wired the starter directly to battery with push button. Same thing now I removed button and now the car will crank sometimes with charged battery but won't start and only for a couple of time before it shuts off. I am at the end of my rope I can't start it. Now it will be nine weeks I can't afford a mechanic. I can't go back to work. Please help me.

Jul 7, 2023 at 7:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, I'm not sure where to start. It sounds like there is more than one issue. I think I need to start with the PCM replacement. Was it programmed for your vehicle? Also, have you checked the starter motor itself to see if it is failing?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let's start with the starter issue. We need that to work to check other things. Also, let me know if the security light is staying on or flashing.

Take care,

Joe

Jul 7, 2023 at 1:12 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

The starter is good, the ECM is a used one from same engine size. I did not program it I still have older one, but the car acts the same with the original one or the replaced one. The security light flashes until I put key in them stops. How I know the car will crank is because when I turn the key and the gas gauge moves, I know it will crank over but just once or twice. And the air conditioning will turn on when I turn the key every time. I hear fuel pump sometimes then other times I do not.

Jul 7, 2023 at 2:27 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I did the ten-minute thing then wait then another ten for three times then still the same, but battery died. The charged battery allows me to crank car only one or two times until it died.

Jul 7, 2023 at 2:30 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

If the car did not have the security features I am sure I could start it but with all the possibilities involving the module I find it mind breaking.

Jul 7, 2023 at 2:32 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I have pressed the hole under the steering wheel to unlock the key otherwise it will remain locked.

Jul 7, 2023 at 2:37 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I know this is a nightmare, but you are my only hope. I have asked everyone, watched countless videos, tried everything and after 8 weeks, but I mean every day for ten hours seven days a week for 8 weeks I still cannot start my car. The neighbors think I'm crazy for trying so long but I have no choice I cannot afford a mechanic. Thank you so much for trying to help me I will donate all I can. This site is a blessing and I appreciate you all.

Jul 7, 2023 at 2:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Are you sure the battery itself isn't the problem? If you only crank it a couple of times and then it needs to be charged, it sounds very weak.

Let me know.

Joe

Jul 7, 2023 at 3:17 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I went to buy a new battery. I have bought a total of seven batteries.

Jul 7, 2023 at 9:01 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

If I could just get the car to start even for a second, it would give me hope. I will be forced to sell my car for $1,800 if I cannot start it.

Jul 7, 2023 at 11:44 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If you've been through that many different batteries, then that certainly isn't the issue.

I want you to remove the starter relay. There are 4 pins on the relay. Two of the connector pins in the box should have power. Check that for me. Also, I assume you checked the starter fuse already.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Jul 8, 2023 at 1:50 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I am going through the guide to get to the crank position. Step by step. I will keep you updated, thank you very much.

Jul 10, 2023 at 5:59 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

I don't know if they will help, but I attached the directions from my manual for replacing the crankshaft position sensor below.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.

Jul 10, 2023 at 2:56 PM

JAIMEJASSO20

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I'm going to try thank you.. I went step by step on the guild to car won't start and I still have nothing.

Jul 11, 2023 at 8:26 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. If possible, could you let me know if that takes care of the problem? I'm interested in knowing.

Also, let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care.

Joe

Jul 11, 2023 at 12:41 PM

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