Starter/key/battery, car not recognizing the key?

2000 BUICK LESABRE
200,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KENNEDIMALYSIA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My car won’t register the key. I put it in, and my security light turns on, I can turn the key to see all the lights pop up, but cannot use any buttons (radio, lock/unlock, windows, etc.) but it won’t actually start when I turn the key all the way. The key fab won’t work for the car either and a new batter was just put into it. My car won’t start, and I’m stuck at a restaurant, what can I do?
Sep 9, 2023 at 5:02 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

If the security light is turning on, it isn't recognizing the key or there is a sensor issue related to the anti-theft.

Try this and let me know if it helps.

Turn the key to the run position and allow it to sit in that position for approximately 10 minutes. Right around the 10-minute point, the light should turn off and the vehicle should start.

Try that and let me know what happens.

Take care,

joe
Sep 10, 2023 at 8:51 PM
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