Will not start after stereo installation?

2008 PONTIAC TORRENT
180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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STEPHANY1ME
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My teenage daughter bought this car used. unsuccessfully attempted to install a stereo, she did not have correct wiring harness, so she left wires exposed. Three days later the car wouldn’t start. Replaced, battery, replaced starter, replaced fuses and relays, still won’t start… tested to see if starter and battery were getting power, they are but still will not start. what’s next?
Jul 16, 2022 at 2:04 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
So, the old radio has an anti-theft device that needs to be there for the car to start, when you are trying to crank the engine over does the anti-theft light flash? If so, this is the problem, once you reinstall the radio you might need to reset the security system, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down these guides and report back.

Jul 17, 2022 at 10:46 AM
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