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victoria gonzalez Posted on Apr 08, 2016
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Why doesn't it crank or start?

Key will turn to run but won't crank or turn over engine so i replaced the ignition switch. still won't crank engine. Security light is on.won't shift properly and has no power.

1 Answer

Mike Magnay

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  • Expert 118 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 08, 2016
Mike Magnay
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Sounds like the immobilizer system is preventing you starting it. This usually requires a main dealer to fix.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 40 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 26, 2008

SOURCE: the ignition won't turn for a 2003 gmc yukon denali

make sure the wheels are straight.. if you park them with them turned to one side the steering column is under a bind.... if they are turned all the way to the right you will for example have to turn it a little to the left to release pressure as you turn the key...

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jan 23, 2009

SOURCE: 2002 mazda mpv ignition switch off/engine keeps running/help

change the part

Anonymous

  • 24 Answers
  • Posted on May 30, 2009

SOURCE: Aztek won't start,key locked in ignition, service engine light on

It is the security chips in the keys. Has this car been wrecked? Was this car made in Mexico? GM had the bright Idea of creating a security system that would do exactly this, I know on cars made in Mexico (like the HHR) You can reset the power and get the key back out, but vehicle will have to be reprogrammed with the master key. This involves turning the key from off to run position without ever going past run (i.e. start position) leave key in this position for 30 minutes. Turn key back to off for 30 seconds then back to run for 30 minutes. repeat this step three times. the last time, after 3rd 30 minute period, turn key off for 30 seconds and then try to crank. Please note this only works if the original master key is being used. You can then reprogram the second key following a similar sequence, only master key that is working has to be inserted to let alarm system know that vehicle is not being stolen only that you are trying to reprogram a key. If original master key is not being used then vehicle has to be taken to the GM dealership to program keys and possible key module replacement.

Anonymous

  • 21 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 05, 2009

SOURCE: 99 nissan altima 4dr. key will not turn ignition

sometimes if the steering wheel is in a bind the switch will not turn try turning the wheel a bit while at the same time turning the switch good luck

Wahs Team

  • 215 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2009

SOURCE: Key stuck, won't turn, won't shift...replace ignition switch?

Try to shift your key in either direction while try to turn your steering in left and right direction. May be its steering lock which is attached to your ignition key preventing shifting of key. If not, then its obviously your ignition that has gone.
If you decide to change ignition then as a last try Dip your key in lubricating oil and then insert in ignition to turn it on. May be it can help.

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1helpful
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Engine crank but won't start on a 1993 Nissan Maxima V6 what all could be the cause?

Fuel, air, spark, compression, valve stuck, head gasket etc etc etc
Be more specific
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2004 Envoy XUV doesn't always crank.

I want to see if i catch your drift ! When you turn the key in the ignition switch to start , nothing happens ? Have you tried moving the gear slector to the neutral position to see if it starts then ? Park neutral safety switch problem , maybe .
Here is a description of how it works or how it's suppose to work .
Circuit Description (ECM/PCM Controlled)
Moving the ignition switch to the START position sends a 12-volt signal to the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) Crank Request circuit. The ECM/PCM verifies that the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position. With the transmission in Park, voltage flows through the Park/Neutral position switch and feeds the starter relay coil. The PCM then grounds the control circuit of the starter relay. When the starter relay is energized it allows battery positive voltage to the starter solenoid S terminal. On some vehicles the starter will continue to crank the engine with the key released until it starts or the crank command has timed out to prevent excessive heat build up in the starter circuitry or the ECM/PCM receives an engine run flag.
Circuit Description (BCM Controlled)
Moving the ignition to the START position signals the body control module (BCM) that engine crank has been requested. The BCM verifies that theft is not active and sends a serial data message to the powertrain control module (PCM) requesting engine start. The BCM also energizes the RUN/CRANK RELAY. When the RUN/CRANK RELAY switch side closes, and the vehicle is in Park or Neutral or with the clutch is fully depressed, if equipped, supplies voltage to the starter relay coil. The PCM verifies the transmission is in Park or Neutral and the clutch is fully depressed, if equipped. The PCM will then ground the control circuit of the starter relay, closing the switch supplying voltage to the starter solenoid. On some vehicles the starter will continue to crank the engine with the key released until it starts of the crank command has timed out to prevent excessive heat build up in the starter circuitry or the PCM receives an engine run flag.
0helpful
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Ok so I bought a 94 Chrysler concorde... the guy told me you have to turn the key multiple times before it starts...the starter doesn't kick in until basically it wants to...lol he said the ignition...

You may be right. Sometimes a starter test doesn't reveal everything. But before you pull the starter, do this quick test. It should confirm if problem is the starter or the ignition switch. When the car won't crank over, pull the small wire off the starter solenoid (on the starter), and check if it has power when key is held in crank position. You need a helper to hold the key in crank. If the wire has power (use a testlight or meter to check for power), and the starter won't crank, pull the starter off for testing or replacement. But if there is no power on the wire when key is held in crank, then it confirms that power is not being transmitted from the switch to the starter. Not to say for sure it is the switch, could also be another part in the path from switch to solenoid (like the neutral safety switch). But more common for the ignition switch to go out first. Either replace the switch or continue testing your start circuit. Post back with results or for further help. Good luck.
1helpful
3answers

My 96 jeep Laredo will not turn over. I've checked

sorry turns over means ZERO
the crank shaft can spin or not
the starter can in fact spin and crankshaft not.
and some think turns over means, engine runs. now that fact makes turns over, a dead statement.

the word is cranks over, the engine cranks over robustlyl
and then the engine runs.
then runs for more that 3 seconds, and the ASD relay holds. (step by step his works like this ,93 to now)

wont crank ? (clear statement in fact)
cranks ok, (crank shaft spins fast) can be seen and heard.
runs for 3 seconds? and stalls (ASD relay drop out) can be seen.
runs for 5min and stalls. (complex)
runs for hours and stalls. (even more complex)
all are key facts to the solution.

tell more..... tell all it does good bad or ugly
for better suggestions!
0helpful
1answer

Cranks and then goes dead

First check your fuel pressure it should be 41-47 psi with key on and engine off if its below 32 psi replace the fuel pump and filter.If fuel pump checks out to be good then take ignition switch out and check for burned ignition switch wires and worn ignition key tumblers and ignition lock cylinder.These cars are known for faulty ignition switches and ignition lock cylinders.Ignition switch gets to hot then it won't start until it cools off.
1helpful
1answer

GMC 2000 sierra pick up 1500 sounds like it wants to start but won't turn over. Battery sounds good so I guess battery and alternator are ok. For several years fuel gauge doesn't work and...

It sure could be. But, first...by "won't turn over" you do mean it cranks at normal speed but won't start?
A simple test of the fuel pump is to stand by tank and listen as someone turns key to on. When first turned to on, your pump will activate for 2 or 3 seconds, pressurizing the fuel system, and then shut off if the engine computer doesn't get a cranking signal. Do you hear it come on? If not, then something's not turning your pump on. If you can hear it buzz on briefly, then maybe it's your filter. Another test: Spray a little starting fluid into your intake manifold (remove the big hose going into intake manifold) while someone tries starting it.If it doesn't fire and try to stay running, then it's probably an ignition problem. But if it does fire off, then you know it's a fuel problem-likely your pump or filter. good luck.
1helpful
1answer

I have a 96 pontiac grand am that doesnt start all the time

Starting Problem # 1: Engine Won't Crank At All

Scenario: You turn the key, but nothing happens: And by nothing, we mean there is no dash light, no sound, nada. The first thing you should do in this case is to pop the hood and check the battery. Either the battery is completely dead or there's a wiring problem in the starting system. Try jump-starting the battery. If that doesn't work, you'll probably have to call for assistance.

Scenario: When you turn the key, you hear a rapid clicking sound, and the dash lights dim. This is your classic low-battery symptom. Jump-starting the battery should get the engine to start.However, if you keep experiencing this problem, you could have a bad battery or alternator, or it could be some­thing as simple as a loose alternator belt. Take your car to a mechanic just as soon as you can.

Scenario: When you turn the key, the lights on the dash come on, but you don't hear anything. Make sure you have the shift selector all the way in park. Move it out of park and then back, or try starting it with the shifter in neutral. If your car has a manual transmission, make sure you have the clutch pressed all the way to the floor. If that doesn't help, you can try jump-starting the battery, but it probably won't work. There's a good chance your car has a bad starter or a problem in the starting circuit. That could mean a prob­lem in the ignition switch, neutral safety switch or starter sole­noid.

Scenario: The dash lights come on when you turn the key, and then go right out, and the engine doesn't crank when you turn the key to start, But, the lights slowly come back on when you release the key. This is another classic: the bad battery connection. When you turn the key to start, the starter pulls so much current that it breaks the connection. Then, when you release the key, the connection slowly comes back. The connection provides enough power to turn the dash lights on, but not enough to crank the starter. Cleaning and tightening the battery terminals may fix this prob­lem.

Scenario: When you turn the key, you hear a single, hard clunk. Turn the headlights on and try again. Do the lights dim slightly when you turn the key? If so, you probably have a bad starter or a seized engine. If the headlights don't dim at all, or just barely dim, there may be a connection problem between the starter solenoid and the starter itself.

Scenario: When you turn the key, you hear a loud, scraping or grinding sound like metal on metal. The starter drive is bad, or the ring gear on the flywheel damaged, or both. You may get the starter to engage if you try turning the key a couple of times, but let go of the key right away if you hear the noise again. If the car does start, you should drive it right over to local repair shop and have the problem fixed.

Starting Problem #2: Engine Cranks but It Won't Start

Scenario: The engine seems to crank normally, but the engine doesn't even sound as if it's trying to start. Is there gas in the tank? Gas gauges are notoriously inaccurate. If you have to move your head to one side to get the needle to move off empty, try adding some gas to the tank.

Scenario: When you first turn the key on, you don't hear the fuel pump run. In cars with electronic fuel injection, you should hear a light hum a few seconds from around the fuel tank. That's the electric fuel pump running. If you don't hear the fuel pump run for a couple seconds when you first turn the key on, try cranking the engine until the oil light goes out. That may start the pump running and allow the engine to start.

Scenario: The engine cranks normally, and it sounds like it wants to start, but it won't. You may have flooded the engine. Hold the gas floor and try again. (Let the gas pedal up when it finally starts). If it's raining out, the ignition system may be wet.

Scenario: The engine cranks unevenly in a repetitive-sounding pattern. You may have a bad timing chain or timing belt. Call a tow truck and have it towed to the repair shop.


Starting Problem # 3: Engine Starts but It Shuts Off

Scenario: The engine starts right up, but shuts off as soon as you release the key. This is the classic symptom of a bad ignition switch. A new switch should fix it.

Scenario: The engine starts and runs, but when you put the transmission in gear, the car lurches and the engine shuts off. The converter clutch in the transmission torque converter probably is engaging when it shouldn't. On some cars, you can bypass this by disconnecting the torque converter clutch solenoid; but unless you know which wire to pull, forget about it. Call for assistance.

Scenario: The engine starts and runs, but seems to idle slowly and stalls when you come to a stop. This probably is a fast idle problem. When the engine is cold, it's supposed to idle a little faster than normal to keep the engine running. You may be able to drive using two feet until the engine warms up: one on the gas to hold the idle up a little and the other for the brake. However, don't keep driving it this way. Take your car to your repair shop just as soon as you

1helpful
1answer

Won;t crank

Hi, if the car engine fails to crank, there is a fault in one of the components in the battery/ignition/starter circuit. Low battery (Check battery voltage, recharge if low, or jump start with another vehicle or battery charger). Bad starter relay/solenoid (Check for voltage at relay, if relay has voltage but there is no "click" when key is turned to start, replace relay). Bad ignition switch (Check to see if voltage reaches starter relay/solenoid when turn to start. If not, check for open P/N switch and brake or clutch pedal switch. Replace ignition switch if defective).
4helpful
5answers

Car won't start

Sounds like it is the ignition switch. You need to purchase a new switch from the dealer and make sure that it is a redesigned one, or at least get their guarantee that the new one will not fail.

There is most likely a build up of grease inside the switch. This is a design flaw with the factory switches, but has apparently been fixed with new switches from the dealer. Like I said, just make sure it is a new one when you are buying it from the dealer. You will need to perform a Passlock Relearn once the new switch is installed.

The old ignition switch will need to be replaced. If you feel like saving yourself some money and do it yourself the follow the instructions below.

1. Remove cover behind the steering wheel
2. Unplug the switch and unscrew the two torx bolts
3. Install new switch by reversing process.

Any time a component in the Passlock system is changed, the learn procedure must be completed for the Theft Deterrent System to sync the password. The procedure requires no special tech tools or computers.

30 Minute Learn Procedure
1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON, vehicle will not start.
3. Observe the SECURITY telltale light, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale light will turn OFF.
4. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes, the vehicle is now ready to relearn the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK.

Important
The vehicle learns the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

Start the engine. The vehicle has now learned the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or password.

You should be good to go. Good Luck!
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