Will not start after replacing steering column?

Tiny
MICHAEL KEITH BROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 1,704,367 MILES
The steering column had broken where it tilts, so I located one at a junkyard, (was only at salvage yard for short time). I stripped it down and replaced ignition switch, turn signal switch and everything from broken column. I have to add that car has an aftermarket alarm and I did wire it back in. So I got it all put back together, turned key forward, everything works! Next I tried to start the car and nothing, again all lights, radio, heater/AC etc, work fine but starter did nothing. I tried cleaning the key and using the spare(have chip on key) I unplugged the computer and even tried the rest. I have tried every thing I know to do. Never have had this much problems with a car. Thank you very much.
Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 3:19 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Hi,

Is the anti-theft light staying on when the key is turned on? If it is, try this and let me know what happens.

Turn the key to the run position and allow it to stay there for approximately 10 minutes. Does the anti-theft light go out? If it does, see if the car then starts.

Let me know what happens.

Joe
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Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL KEITH BROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yeah, it goes out but still wont start.
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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Mike,

When you turn the key to the start position, do the lights turn off on the dash? I'm just wondering if the switch is the issue.

Also, did you use your old switch, key, and theft deterrent module? If not, you will have to get a new theft deterrent module. The theft deterrent module will learn the first key installed. To get a new lock cylinder and key without a theft deterrent module the dealer will have to get the key ID to match it up. Otherwise, a new theft deterrent module will be required.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL KEITH BROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I bought a whole steering column from a Buick in a junk yard with 2 sets of keys it came from a Buick and everything hooked up exactly as it was before. Only difference was it had a after market alarm system, but nothing been changed on the new steering column or used one but the old one was the key was lost and the column was ripped out by previous owners when I bought it. So I got new one so I don't know what to do but have it programmed is there another way to get around this costly problem?
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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 6:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
I have a feeling that will need to be done. The one concern I have is the vehicle will not start when the theft light turns off (after 10 minutes). It should start. When you say an aftermarket alarm system was on the old one, I'm wondering if there is wiring that has been changed within the vehicle to accommodate the system. IS there any evidence of wires being spliced, cut, or anything you can see?

Joe
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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL KEITH BROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No, I am going to have the dealership make me a key for that ECU and see if that works.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Mike,

I wish I had an easier answer for you. However, I think that is a good idea. If you have the chance, let me know if that takes care of the issue.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM

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