Not starting and the security light on?

SUSAN D WEST

MEMBER
1998 BUICK LESABRE
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Security light came on car was still running fine. Looked up information and tried to relearn the key by turning it to start waiting 10 for security light to go off then wait 5 seconds to start car did this x3. It worked. Security light came back on later did the same again. Fine. The next time the security light went to flashing instead of solid car will not start. Looked up information possible bad key vats bypass needed paid lock guys 350.00 to fix. Picked up car started fine security light stays on for a while then went off no radio now at all lock guys said system was trying to reboot didn't have a clue about radio. Next day the car will not start security light flashing on panel. Used a portable battery charger for 40 minutes car started. Security light came on then off again the next day, same thing. Charged again worked security light on but goes off. The next day no start no charging the battery nothing. Battery is less than 1 year old took it out today and went back to AutoZone they tested it full charge no problems. Car won't start security light flashing again and still can't get radio to turn on. Called the lock guys again and they acted dumb ask to why the radio doesn't work and security light keeps flashing when trying to start and said if I can bring it to them they can look at it. That's another tow for me of 65.00 and already paid them 350.00 for security bypass and still not running and radio is not working. Car had not been having any problems till security light came on. Help please I'm a female and have no one to help me and no more money. To pay without it being fixed.

1 Reply

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
670 POSTS

Good evening and thanks for your question!

Just to clarify, the car did not have any trouble starting until the security light reset? You mentioned using a portable battery charger, was the battery dead or did the car only crank but not start?

Let's start with the basics and check the fuses and relays.

Please refer to these guides:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

There are two fuse boxes inside the car, and under the dash. One is on the driver's side, and the other on the passenger side. For the driver side fuse box, check Fuse 1A for the Anti-Theft module and 8D for the radio. For the passenger side, check Relay ACCY F for the radio. I attached diagrams for both fuse boxes for you. To check the relay, you can listen for a click while turning the key to the ON position, and even tap on it to see if the radio will turn on.

Also, I included instructions for a system check of the anti-theft operation.

Please let us know how it goes,
William

Images (Click to make bigger)