What would cause my 1996 Buick Skylark to start, but die immediately? It was starting and running after about 10-20 attempts and seems to run well once it's running. The last time it wouldn't run at all after many attempts to start it.

SOURCE: 1996 Buick Regal

gas pump

mike loshbough

• 1011 Answers
• Posted on Mar 04, 2009

SOURCE: I have a buick skylark 1991 fi it will start and

you have a shorted fuel injector that is taking out the quad driver in the computer that is why i said did you ohm the injectors it should be 4.1 to 4.3 ohms per side anything less will shut off the quad driver in the computer. each individual injector should be 12 ohms

SOURCE: 1996 Buick Skylark Engine cutting out.

Hi
you will need to have your car scanned for codes such as
DTC P1629 or P1626

Gilbert Labont?

• 195 Answers
• Posted on Jul 08, 2009

SOURCE: 1996 chevy cavalier. problems starting and running

Actually i doubt the switch is in default here. Especially that if i'm not mistaken the theft light on those was only on the monsoon radio systems and only tells the status of the theft lock on the radio. And if the theft lock light on the radio comes on it's because it thinks it's being unplugged. Taking that in account and reading all the problem you have with the car, i'm strongly leaning toward a grounding problem. So check the negative post on the battery to be sure its not moving or broken in any way, and verify all the grounding wire and straps and replace them if needed. Not many people know this but the ground wires on a car are 100 times more important than the positive wires. Without the grounds, the current has nowhere to go on any components, so that means even the spark plugs stop sparking. If all the grounds are good, just check the battery itself and the alternator just to be sure they are not causing these problems. And if all else fails, then it would be option to change the ignition switch/cylinder. Pretty sure though that you can find one in a scrap yard for less than 150$, those cavaliers are practically raining everywhere in the scrap yards, and you can also use one from a pontiac sunfire which is the same car. Also, you can use most switches from other GMs in the same years, like a grand am, grand prix, lumina, etc. Just make sure that the car you take it from has basically the same equipment more or less than your cavalier so that the zenith has the same number of wires as yours and same positions also.

Ricky Gittins

• 715 Answers
• Posted on Oct 22, 2009

SOURCE: 1996 buick skylark..alarm theft keeps flashin..try

Need a bit more information, Is the security light on, have you checked for spark and fuel pressure, just in case you did and know it is the passlock system then check this out, hopefully it will ansewer your problem, please rate your mechanics help.
have a great day. Sorry the pictures won't come up, but check out the site

GM Passlock I & II Information
Please study the following information carefully WHEN INSTALLING REMOTE START systems on a 1996 or later GM car or truck.
Introduced in 1996, GM has changed the VATS anti theft system to Pass-Lock system. This is a similar device to the VATS system, in that there is a resistor present during the start cycle. However, in the PASSLOCK system, the resistor has been placed inside the ignition switch, instead of the key. See the GM V.A.T.S page for more information.
To remotely start a car with this feature, you must bypass the PASSLOCK system. There are two methods of doing so.. The first, is to permanently bypass this system. This is the easiest method for accomplishing your task. The second way, is to temporarily bypass the PASSLOCK, by introducing relays into the system, which retain all of the features of the system, while allowing your remotes start module to bypass it automatically during a remote start cycle.
Vehicles effected
(1996 and newer): N & J body cars, such as
Pontiac Sunfire and GrandAm Passlock-1
Chevrolet Cavalier Passlock-1
Buick Skylark Passlock-1
Oldsmobile Achieva Passlock-1

1997 or newer
Chevrolet Malibu Passlock-II
Oldsmobile Cutlass Passlock-II

1998 or newer
All trucks , SUVs and Vans Passlock-II

It is important to pay special attention to the fact that there are many different ways of achieving the same goal. There are actually 2 different Passlock-II systems. On the next page, there are tests to establish which type of passlock-II your car has.

Relays shown are standard automotive 5 pin spdt relays, available from IEI.
A multi meter is required to measure the resistance values. Accuracy is important within 5%.

Once the value of the resistor is measured, a resistor of the same value +/-5% must be purchased (Radio Shack, for example). You can also use a Potentiometer (POT), which can be adjusted to the same value of the resistor in the ignition switch.

Passlock-I bypass procedure....

1: Remove the top and bottom shrouds from the steering column.
2: Find the 3 wire ribbon cable, coming from the ignition switch, containing White, Black, Yellow (Sometimes White, Black, Black). These are THIN wires.
3: Locate the Black 6 position connector on the LEFT side of the steering column, right above the ignition switch position. There is a BLACK (Thin) wire in this connector, called "Bulb Test", which shows Ground with ignition in the Off position, OPEN in the "Run" position, and GROUND in the "Crank" position.
4: Turn the ignition switch to the "Run" position. Do not crank the car.
5: Cut the Thin Yellow wire and strip both ends.
6: Without cutting the Black wire, expose some of the copper.
7: Using the ohmmeter, measure from the Yellow wire (the end coming from the ignition switch), to the exposed Black wire and record the value. Measure more than once to assure you have the right value.
8: Acquire the same size resistor and 3 relays, and perform the connections shown in the diagram below.

PASSLOCK-II bypass procedure

There are 2 types of Passlock-II systems. To determine which system you have, follow these instructions;

1: Locate two wires, which are THIN and are in the main ignition harness.. Orange/Black (or Black) and Yellow.
2: Cut the Yellow wire, and strip back some of the insulation from the Orange/Black (Or Black) wires.
3: Turn the ignition to the "Run" position ( don't crank the starter). Measure and record the value measured from the KEY SIDE of the Yellow wire, to the Black/Orange wire.
4: Turn the key to the "Crank" position and release. Now read the value again.
5: If the value changed, follow "Method#1". If the value stayed the same, follow "Method#2".



These diagrams are from our friends at ALARMTEK AUTO ALARM
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