SPONSORED LINKS

Put key in and try to start it does nothing

Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
All lights come on fuel pump comes on battery good. I replaced the ignition housing but not the switch the key actually goes in. But still nothing. Please help, desperate, Donna.
Friday, May 24th, 2019 AT 2:09 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Is your security light blinking?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 3:15 AM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
No, it's not blinking just stays on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, when your security indicator is illuminated and your vehicle isn't starting that means that a fault has been detected and the system is in learn mode. I have included your vehicle's system operation and how to reprogram it in the diagrams down below. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
Okay, I'm not fully understanding all of this. Am I using the key I already have or buying a new ignition switch with keys and installing?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
And I don't have all those fancy tools and diagnostic readers to do all of that.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again, read the section that I highlighted for you in yellow. This is what your vehicle is doing. It refers you to "Programming Theft Deterrent System Components", so if you continue down 2 more diagrams, it describes step by step instructions on how to fix your vehicle. It will require the use of a Tech 2 Scan Tool. I believe you can pick one up on Ebay for around $150.00 to $325.00.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Okay, did you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
I don't have that kind of money for a scan tool though.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Usually the only place to get your key, or in this case, the new component that you installed, programmed to match up with the PCM is either the dealership or at a locksmith's. This is done intentionally to keep people from going around with a bunch of blank keys and programming them so that they can steal cars. This is an anti theft system after all. Please let us know what you decide to do.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
From what I understand I can buy the new switch and it comes with key and I can reset the anti theft to work with that key. So what I'm needing to know is "could this be the part I'm needing to replace and will this key be able to be reset!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
I'm really just needing to know what causes this to happen, my car to do nothing when I turn key over when all lights come on and it's not the battery and not the fuel pump and the security light does not flash just stays on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

As I have previously sent you the description of the Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) system operation for your vehicle, the components of the VTD, and directions on how and why the components are programmed with each other, I would refer you back to them. I am sorry, there is no magic bullet that I can offer you to fix this problem. I really wish there was, I would love to tell you if there was, but there isn't. Sorry.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 AT 1:26 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
Okay, well what I'm saying is, I don't understand all that stuff that you sent me. I'm a female and not a mechanic so if you could explain to me what part that I'm needing it would really help me out a lot.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
Okay, when I put new part on everything remained the same as with old part so I took off and put old back on because there was no change at all so therefore I don't think that was the issue. So I'm needing to know what else nay be the problem? I'm sending picture of part I replaced and removed and put old one back on.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

I would like to jump in here. I think we are going down the wrong trail because the light is not flashing the system is not engaged. It sounds like the starter has gone out. To confirm here is a guided that will show you how to check for power at the solenoid:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
Okay my friend, ran the starter to a switch so now when I turn key over and hit starter switch at same time it starts but immediately shut off.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
When the engine stalls does the security light flash?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 30th, 2019 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
No.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 30th, 2019 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
DONNAWOODLEE
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
So if my starter is wired to a switch and now my car starts but shuts off. Could my starter be the problem or does this mean starter is good? Please help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 30th, 2019 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 31st, 2019 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
The starter is good, when the engine stalls can you use starting fluid get make it run again? Also can you hear the fuel pump running in the tank?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, June 1st, 2019 AT 1:04 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

How to fix an engine that wont start
VIDEO
How to fix an engine that wont start
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links