CRaZy! Won't Start! Key Problem?@@@
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
CRaZy! Won't Start! Key Problem?@@@
Drove 200 miles last night to GF House. Went to concert and came back to the car. It felt like the ignition switch had some obstruction in it, would not go in. While I was trying to figure it out a buddy shoved the key into the ignition by force. Now the key goes in, the switch turns, the gauges go live, but the car won't start. There is no "click" or anything, just acts like a dead connection. I put a battery charger on it just in case. When it does the initial start up procedure, the volt gauge only shows less then 12 volts. Really weird. I checked all the keys and none of the security pieces came off of the keys so i am Baffled as to what is happening here. Anyone have a clue??????
Thanks
Boomer
Thanks
Boomer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 146
From: Watertown CT
First off, I would knocked my buddy out for shoving the key in there!! You shouldn't have forced it in, if it wasn't going, it was for a reason. The only thing I can suggest trying, I have seen other people do this when the car wouldn't start, is clean the key with rubbing alchol. I'm assuming you have tried more than one key so this probably isn't the problem, something is probably screwed up inside from forcing the key in there, but good luck!! Dan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
No joke!! Miller Lite fueled friends helping out are not a good thing! I can't figure out why the key (two different ones) would not go in to start with. Maybe if I called out a locksmith he could remove the switch and check it out. I bet if the switch is bad I will have to rent a car to get home while a new one is shipped to the dealer. Not something they will have laying around in the parts bin. Anyone heard of a switch going bad this quick? It is an 04 with only 28,000 miles on it. A4
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,540
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From: bloomfield nj
your friend is a moron.sounds like maybe the rack and rod is not moving all the way.does your security light flash as you try to start the car? if it's off,more than likely the key is being read.do you hear the column lock disengage? the car should at least start/stall.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Security light is on , all gauges light, when you turn the key to start it is like everything goes dead. Like all the electrical power is being zapped or maybe just being bypassed. Only shows 12 volts with the key in the on position.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,540
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From: bloomfield nj
Originally Posted by boomer 33
Security light is on , all gauges light, when you turn the key to start it is like everything goes dead. Like all the electrical power is being zapped or maybe just being bypassed. Only shows 12 volts with the key in the on position.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Yes, I moved shifter through the gears a couple of times to cehck that out. I went to the dealer and they checked the key, the key reads OK. They don't have clue. Sounds like I might as well have it towed, I bet the ingnition switch has puked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Originally Posted by boomer 33
The problem is I am stuck 200 miles from home. Comprende?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Originally Posted by boomer 33
I rented a CTS to get back home. Runs pretty good for a Caddy. Could you turn your key on and see what volts your gauge says please? Someone? Wrecker will be here soon.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Thanks. well the hook came and got it. Right before he arrived I tried to pull codes again, codes out the ying yang, didn;t have time to write them down, guess I will just let the stealership do their thing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Originally Posted by boomer 33
Thanks. well the hook came and got it. Right before he arrived I tried to pull codes again, codes out the ying yang, didn;t have time to write them down, guess I will just let the stealership do their thing.
But, don't forget to NOT tell them about your beer-guzzling friend who forced the key in.
My guess is that you'll get a new ignition cylinder. But, don't let them make you end up with two different keys. Be sure you get ALL new locks that match one key, just like your car had when it came from the factory.
That means a new door lock cylinder, glove box, center console and airbag switch.
Just be nice, and act sad and disappointed. Cry a little if you can, too.
Keep us posted, as I for one, would be interested in hearing what it was, and what they do for you at the DEALERSHIP (for now).