ignition startup problem..help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
ignition startup problem..help!
so it seems to be at tiimes when i turn my key to start the car it doesnt start and just acts as if the car is dead..no noise sounds or warnings in my computer..and my battery is farely new..so i have to take out the key and try starting the car again until it finally starts..i have an 02 a4..iam aware of the steering column lock defect but i called the chevy dealer and it seems to be my car doesnt have that recall..do any of you have an idea of what it could possibly be? thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
No codes show up..it seems like the car just died when I turn the key..it doesn't happen all the time..but when it does it takes a few turns to start..the dealer is gona charge me around 500 to fix but I rather figure it out and do it myself
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee florida
Yes if it is the solenoid. I've almost narrowed mine down to that. If you have both keys try using the other one also. There's a good write up on testing everything on the forums....hopefully a.other member will chime in with a link...im working from a cell phone at the moment so my abilities are limited. I was just trying to give food for thought as best as i could so you might find something with the search.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: tucson az
I had the same problem and had it for over a year and after waiting 3 minutes the car would start. Took to dealer and vet tech swore it was starter....after researching here on the forum I thought it was the ignition cylinder. Well long story short, vet tech convinced me it was starter and 2 days later after install same thing happened. After cylinder replacement and new key all is well but tech lied to me and to service mgr saying no codes were thrown the first time but the second time I brought in the codes mysteriously appeared indicating worn ignition cylinder. Supposedly biggest dealer in the south suburbs of Chicago. Guess they are all the same.
Do you hear the fuel pump for a few seconds?
Do you hear the fuel pump for a few seconds?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: tucson az
Try cleaning the chips in your keys. The VATs system in mine wouldn't let me start the car unless I waited 3 minutes and then tried again. I have ove 230,000 miles on my 2000 and chips and cylinder didn't make hardly any contact. In the fall I bot a new battery and didn't have the problem for 3 months then it returned. Is the solenoid clicking? If you do a search here there is a ton of info on this problem. Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
I had to replace my ignition cylinder a few months ago based on the same symptoms. I noticed when I insert the key it's much more secure than when it was in the old cylinder. Insert the key and if it feels loose you may need to replace it. Dealership said one of the contacts broke. Cylinder cost around $250 installed.
Last edited by GOT_LS1; Aug 30, 2010 at 06:44 PM. Reason: Typo
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 488
Likes: 2
From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Embarrassing
And at the wrong place and at the wrong time - boy is that embarrassing.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
If it is just the lock cylinder you won't have to get a new set of keys or reprogram anything. Replacing it is fairly easy.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
I usually start off here for OEM parts. They tend to be the cheapest from what I've found. www.gm-car-parts.com
