Engine cranks but does not start, service vehicle light is on

Tiny
QQUENTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Car cranking like normal but wont start. Service vehicle light is on and security light blinks.
Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 10:36 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

Do me a favor. Turn the key to the run position and let it there for approximately 10 minutes. The security light should turn off. If it does, see if will start.

Also, let me know if you have access to a scan tool. If you do, scan the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes. If there are, let me know what you find.

Here is a quick video showing how that is done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless.

Joe
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Friday, February 19th, 2021 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
QQUENTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I tried the 10 minute relearning thing 3 times something called the 30 minute relearning and, car acts like its starting but, don't. My Service Vehicle light is Solid but, theft light is blinking. I had this car fixed 4 months ago for this same problem but, my Service Vehicle Light wasn't on back then and, my theft light was solidly lit not flashing. The shop I went doesn't specialize I electrical so, they probably didn't fix it right? They said they fixed some type of short and, they gave me new keys that they had reprogrammed but, when was driving the security light would come on and go off then come back on again! They claim it was some wires shorted out but. I'm thinking they should have replaced the whole wiring harness from the steering column to the ignition cause, they may have shorted out again. I just want some type of idea of what it may be before I take this car to another shop. This time I'm going to an Electrical Diagnostics Shop.
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Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

If it won't bypass using the 10-minute wait procedure, something is wrong with the immobilizer. If they gave you new keys, it sounds like they replaced the tumbler/lock cylinder. Is that what was done?

Joe
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Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
QQUENTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
They said they fixed a short and, after that the car wasn't recognizing the keys I had so, they reprogrammed some more keys and, I had already replaced the keys and tumbler months before I had the problem.
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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 7:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

Without knowing exactly what they did, I have to recommend returning the vehicle to them for repair. The 10 minutes reset should have bypassed the immobilizer and allowed the vehicle to start. Since it didn't, I can't be sure what they changed or have done.

Are they willing to check it for you since they did the work?

Joe
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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
QQUENTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes but, I have no confidence in them at all nor do I trust them anymore! Whenever I pay money for something I expect no more of the same problem so, I need to take to electrical specialist. I will let you know how it come out.
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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

I totally understand. If you have a chance, I would really like to know what has happened. Something isn't done right.

Let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, February 21st, 2021 AT 7:57 PM

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