No crank, no start, security problem

Tiny
3DALE3
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CADILLAC STS
  • 115,000 MILES
A solidly lit security lamp on (not blinking). Several months ago the car sat idle and the battery drained. I jumped it, it started, and I drove it home. I went to start it again and I was greeted with the security lamp. I thought it might be the battery so (stupidly) I bought a new battery. Still did not start. This car is a push button start with 1-key and 2-fob's. Both fob's are recognized. I think this is a PassKey III configuration. I charged the battery to full and then I did a battery recondition with my CTEK Multi US 7002. Everything was fine. Then I tested the battery with my Solar BA9 tester. Again, everything was fine so the battery is not concerning me. I tried (multiple times) the thirty minute relearn process without success. I had the CTEK on the battery in "supply" mode during the relearn procedures to make sure the voltage did not drop. The dash goes black when I attempt to start. I turned the accessories back on and then (in the fuse panel, engine compartment, passenger side, front) I jumped the heavy gauge pink wire to the power and it cranked right up. After shutting the engine off the security will again take over and back to a no start situation. I am trying to avoid the dealer for a re-flash. They already told me $150.00 and it might not be the problem. I can almost guarantee they are going to try to hit me for a new Theft Deterrent Module (TDM), which, in this car, I believe is part of the body control module (BCM).
Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 AT 5:17 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,617 POSTS
Yes, you are right about the security being part of the BCM which could be the problem, but what concerns me is the dash going out when you try to crank it. Can you tell me if the interior lights go out as well?

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
3DALE3
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Hi Ken,

I never noticed if any other lights were affected. I can check that out, maybe tomorrow, and report back to you. I have read about this symptom before on other web posts. I believe it is the security system shutting down the car because of "supposed" vehicle theft that occurred when I jumped the drained battery. Now the module is stopping me from staring my own car. Now how to find the error, DTC, bad module, etc, is my problem. Do you think if I flash any possible modules affected the communication error code U0100 will go away? There may be other codes as well but I only have a no frills Actron reader so it might not be capable of reading any deeper.

Thanks, Dale
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 AT 1:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You can re-flash the unit but the problem will come back. Once you get a communication error the computer needs to be replaced. I like using a home computer and constantly needing to reboot it.
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Friday, April 27th, 2018 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
3DALE3
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  • 9 POSTS
Will a more sophisticated scan took tell you if a module is bad? If not, what is commonly used to make the determination that the module is bad?
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Friday, April 27th, 2018 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The scanner they have at the dealer can tell most of the time. But I also know the way they test it, throw a new one in and see if it works.
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
3DALE3
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In my situation I think the car thought it was being stolen when I jumped the completely drained battery. I have read that when the drained battery is jumped it surges the system and security takes over. Does that sound correct to you? Evidently my problem goes deeper than that. However, when a genuine theft is attempted and the car goes into a security lock mode, how does the owner clear the lock down so the car is usable again?
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Usually if you lock and unlock the car with the remote it will reset. It has a fresh battery in it?
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
3DALE3
  • MEMBER
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Yes, new and fully charged. Plus I hooked up the CTEK charger/tender while performing all tests and attempts. Which leads me to believe that one of the modules is messed up.
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the BCM has had a problem. Here is the location and the wiring diagrams and a guide so you can confirm the failure. Check for power and grounds to the modules.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Below are the BCM wiring diagrams.

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, April 28th, 2018 AT 8:22 PM

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