1997 Saturn Station Wagon key turned- nothing happens

Tiny
KMCCARTHY15
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 SATURN STATION WAGON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,000 MILES
Our car caught fire last November- the fire started on right side of the passenger seat, apparently by someone tossing a lit source onto it- while my husband was in dialysis - nice, huh? It burned over half the seat, the back half of the headliner partially burned. The dome light wire melted apart. That appeared to be it for wires. I don't know if the frayed wires have been taped. No fire made its way to the front end, and fortunately did not blow the car up. It still started, and has run fine until New Year's day.

. And I do not know if this has anything to do with what I am about to tell you.

I drove it to our pharmacy (approx 3 miles.) To get medicine for my husband. Before I started the car, the front driver side door lock was making a buzz noise. It was set in mid-point, I pressed unlock, and it stopped. On route, the wrench-shaped light, showing, "repair soon" lit up. I thought I would have opportunity to check it when I got home.

When trying to leave the pharmacy, the car would not start-everything else came on, though. But turning the key only made the ignition relay switch click, nothing else. No start.

Interior fuses were tested. They all seemed ok.

I changed the battery, because it was due for it, according to recent oil change visit. We were advised to.

The interior fuses tested alright, except for IGN 3 (?), In which I believe I previously missed. I changed it and then the car started.

The driver side door lock continued to randomly repeat its buzz noise, and I am afraid also had a melting smell to it. But I would push it out of its midpoint again to unlock, and the problem stopped. I hoped it would buy a few days' time to get it to our mechanic.

But my husband drove it again to dialysis yesterday, and when he was going to leave after treatment the car would not start again- but this time, there are no dummy lights, no chimes, nothing- Slience.

We went back through the interior and exterior fuses, too. They seem to be alright. I do not really know where to look next to troubleshoot this.

Our car means alot to us. My husband needs this car for medical appointments. We certainly cannot afford another car at all. And due to our financial hardship, I modified our insurance last summer from the car being covered for events like this, to simply road legal. So, could you give me an idea where to look next- I am afraid our Haynes Manual doesn't cover this one. Thank you.
Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 3:59 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
If nothing is lighting up inside, check the battery to see if it has a charge. The doorlock solenoid may have stuck part way and been trying to move while your husband was inside, thus draining the battery.
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Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 4:07 PM

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