my '97 has about 156k+ on the clock.......for the past week it's been iffy about starting. Turn the key, it struggles, sometimes it takes 3-4 tries to start it. Well, it was getting worse so I figured okay - new battery. I've been getting the pull key, wait 10 seconds for nearly a year now, and this is the battery out of my '03 2500 HD, so I know it's about gone anyway. So....replace the battery and....no change.

The starter was already replaced last december with a GM remanufactured last december, and I know that starters don't typically go out that quickly.

Any ideas on what might be causing this? It's currently sitting in my driveway blocking the c6 in the garage, so I'd like to get it running again fairly soon.

Starter go bad already? Loose connection somewhere? Corrosion on the battery cables?

Anyone else had a similar problem?

Thanks!!

 

Your description of your starting issues isnt very descriptive. But I will give it my best shot:

The PULL KEY WAIT 10 SEC is being displayed because the VATS system isnt working correctly. The ignition key has a resistor pellet embedded on it and that resistor fits into a receptacle in the front of the ignition cylinder:



If that key resistor or the contacts inside that cylinder are dirty, the VATS system cant read the resistor and you get that message.

The Body Control Module reads that resistor and compares it to a known value programmed into the BCM. If it isn't correct, it will ask you to reinsert the key again. If you insert the key THREE times and the resistor value is incorrect, the VATS system will lock out and you cant start the car for 10 min. Try cleaaning the resistor pellet with alcohol or using your spare key to see if it makes a difference. The ignition key reading module can also be dirty or faulty.

As for having issues starting the car, Im guessing that it cranks but the engine doesnt immediately fire off and run. Its called extended cranking. As long as the engine is CRANKING normaly (engine being rotated by the starter at the normal cranking speed) the starter and the battery would be fine.

What DTCs are being displayed?

If the engine cranks but doesnt fire and run within a second or two, thats abnormal and could be caused by a number of thing:

Reading and posting your DTCs will help narrow that down to a manageable list

Please add some more descriptive information on the fails to start problem.

Writing from Sunny (HOT) GUAM

Bill C

 

If the car turns over fine why check the starter and battery. You need to check fuel and spark.

How long since you changed your plugs?

How long since you changed your fuel filter?

Can you hear the fuel pump when the key is on?