I have a 93 bonne ssei with 157K on it and has been running great. Stopped today at the gas station and when I got back in to start it, nothing. I turn the key, the lights come on but nothing else. When I leave the key in the on position for a few seconds all the driver information stuff goes into normal appearance except for the "check guages" warning beeps and light up. I checked the battery cables and I have juice but when I turn the key, NUTHIN.

Is your security light on? It sounds like it could be a VATS problem. Sometimes the resistor in the key gets dirty and the car can't read it. You can use rubbing alcohol to clean. If it's really funky, a pencil eraser can be used first. To clean the ignition cylinder, dip the key in the alcohol and insert into the ignition. Move key in and out a couple of times and repeat. If you can hear the fuel pump turn on after you turn the key to the On position then It's not the VATS.

It could also be the PRND321 switch. Try to start the car in neutral.

Tried starting it in neutral and moving shifter around, nothing. I did wipe off the key and retry it but nothing. I think the security light always blinks when you first start up doesn't it?

There are 4 modes for the indicator:

Bulb check
When the ignition is first turned on, the Securtiy indicator illuminates for approx 5 seconds to indicate the system is operating correctly.

Bulb stays illuminated and engine starts
If the Security indicator stays illuminated after the engine starts, this is an indication that the PASS-Key II module is reading an open, short or incrrect resistance value.

Bulb stays illuminated and engine does not start
If the Security indicator stays illuminated while and after attempting to start the engine and the engine does not crank or start, this indicates that the PASS-Key II module has sensed an improper key value and has disabled the engine and set the disable timer.

Bulb flashes and engine does not start
If the Security indicator flashes once per second and the engine does not start, this indicates that the PASS-Key II module sensed an open, a short or otherwise invalid (value matched none of the available 15 key codes) input from the ignition key resistor input.


So an open, short or wonky resistance will cause the light to flash while the key is in the Start position.

You don't have a remote starter installed in yout car, do you?

Again, it would be helpfull to know if yu can hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition on.

No remote start. and the car isn't here so I'll have to drive over to try any new theories.

Does the fact that the check gauges indicator stays on have anything to do with it?

No. The Check Gauges light is probably on because your ignition is on but you have no oil pressure cause the engine is not running.

Listen for that fuel pump when you yurn the ignition on. If you hear it prime, it's NOT the security system. It's something else.

Just got back from trying it again. The security light didn't stay on while I was trying to start it. Just in case, I cleaned the key anyway but no help. I couldn't make out the sound of the fuel pump to all those damn dings and dongs when you first turn on the key though. But when I had the dome light on while I tried to start it, it never even dimmed when I turned the key, just the dash indicators flash like they do when you're starting up. I'm stumped.

At this point, I'd grab a test light and or voltmeter and test the yellow wire going into the park/neutral switch and the purple wire coming out of the switch. There should be +12v present to both wires when the key is in the crank position. This will test the ignition switch, starter enable relay and the park/neutral switch. Also, the battery to starter cable should be checked.

Since the PASS-Key II disables both fuel and crank at the same time, we can eliminate it as a suspect all together if you can verify the fuel pump operation. You might need a helper to turn the key as you get an ear close to the tank. A fuel pressure gauge will also tell you what is going on.

A buddy and I went to the car today and he jumped the connection on the starter and it started right up. Then i drove it home and shut it off and it started fine with the key. After that I opened the door and got out. When I went back to start it again nothing. We jumped the starter and it started again, then I shut it off againg and restarted with the key. Again I shut it off and opened the door, I hear a slight click sound coming from the passenger side when I open the door, and again it won't start. ??????????

I can't think of any correlation between the driver's door and the starting system. That click that you hear might just be the illuminated entry/exit timer relay or the RAP circuit turning off.

Along with the wire testing above, you should test the heavy gauge yellow wire above the driver's hush panel. This will test the ignition switch itself. Again, you are looking for +12v when the key is in the start position. Start there and work your way down the line. Basically, the circuit is:

Ignition switch-----start enable relay-----park/neutral switch---starter

I had the same thing, it was the ignition switch.

I am thinking shims or bad starter solenoid.