I have an on and off issue with the key not turning over the engine. Every once in a while, I get in and turn the key...the battery is brand new and the dash, radio, etc come on but not cranking AT ALL???

Is this a security system issue? I had the Column Lock bypass in it and after reading some threads on that, I removed it (Car is a 2000 A4 and it did have the recall done). I also have an aftermarket security system as I shave the door handles and have poppers to open the door.

Any C5 electronic guru's out there care to take a stab at this one?

Thanks in advance

 

Try cleaning the resistor on the key.

 

Also mine has done that a few times and wiping the resistor did not help. I then took it out ff park and put it back in. It started then. I think the neutral safety switch stick sometimes.

 

You're getting power. If it's a VATS issue the security light will stay illuminated when you turn the key. That would mean the resistor pellet on the key is not feeding the value to the computer so the fuel is not enabled.

Is the security light staying on? Does your spare key work normally?

Worn ignition barrels are fairly common. BC posted a great thread on theat problem.

If not, it could be your after market security system.

 

Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Description and Operation
PASS-Key System

The personal automotive security system (PASS-Key®) is standard equipment on the vehicle. The system is designed to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless an ignition key with a specific electrical resistance is used in the ignition cylinder. The PASS-Key® system and the content theft deterrent system operate separately.

There are 15 different ignition key resistance values. Of the 15 different resistance values, or key codes available, only one will work with each body control module (BCM). Once the key code is programmed into the BCM, the code is stored in non-volatile memory.

The PASS-Key® system prevents the engine from starting by controlling the theft deterrent relay and the powertrain control module (PCM) fuel enable input. If the PCM does not sense the proper fuel enable signal, fuel will not be provided to the engine.

If the wrong resistance value is sensed when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the BCM will not ground the theft deterrent relay control circuit and will not provide the fuel enable signal for approximately three minutes. The engine is prevented from starting and discourages a thief from trying key codes or resistance values at random.

If the correct resistance value is sensed when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the BCM will ground the theft deterrent relay control circuit and enable fuel delivery. The engine will start normally.

If the PASS-Key® system detects an open or short to ground when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the BCM will default to fail enable mode. Fail enable occurs when the proper key resistance is sensed before the open short to ground occurs. Fail enable will illuminate the security indicator lamp and allow the operator to stop and start the vehicle until the problem is corrected. The PASS-Key® system includes the following components:

Ignition key
Ignition cylinder
Body control module (BCM)
Theft deterrent relay
Powertrain control module (PCM)
SECURITY indicator

 

Hey Dave...good to hear from you...been a while. Yes, the Security light stays on while driving. I had a new key cut a month ago so I know the resistor pallet is fine. So based on the light staying on, is it the switch or the barrell (maybe I just get both and be done with it)

Any idea how I would get the barrell reset to fit my key?

Thanks buddy...always a pleasure

 

Your ignition (where your key goes into) there are two pins that make contact with the KEY RESISTOR, one may be loose or have fallen out.. This is another cause of "Pull Key, wait 10 sec." that can happen. I sprayed WD40 on my key and lubed up that, don't put to much, just a light amount. But check that out. It's possible...