Finicky Start Problem >> Different Symptom

95 eighty eight---3.8L series 2 Ok I have checked the resistor in the key, if it doesn't make contact the security light will flash. And I have tried different keys. So I know that is not my problem. I try wiggling the key to see if it's a bad ignition switch but that doesn't seem to do anything. The problem I have is this........
Insert key turn clockwise till dash lights, and IF THE BATTERY and TEMP idiot lights are on, the car will start...IF they are off, don't bother cranking as you will be waisting your battery. Now if I leave the key on and do nothing, just sit back and wait the PCM resets , I hear the fuel pump kick on for a sec, and the BATT and TEMP lights come on and you are ready to go. I think the PCM is waiting for some input or for a relay to warm up to give it power but I don't know where to start. ANYONE SEEN THIS BEFORE? Those of you having similar problems try it again and observe the battery and temp lights they are right next to each other on the left side of the dash. I think it's a relay that takes a while to warm up as it is worse in the winter. ANY SUGGESTIONS????

My first guess is to say that your ignition switch is failing. I believe you are correct about it not being a VATS problem. Even if you had a VATS fault, all the lights and stuff would operate normally. I do know that some of the GM lines had these recalled but not sure on your car. What I would do is take off your knee knocker so you can access the PINK ignition wire and also the ORANGE accessory wire. This car is relatively simple in design and the PCM shouldn't have to wait for anything. Now, you could have a bad connection to the BCM that might be giving you fits???? Does the car stay running fine after it has started?

My first guess is to say that your ignition switch is failing. I believe you are correct about it not being a VATS problem. Even if you had a VATS fault, all the lights and stuff would operate normally. I do know that some of the GM lines had these recalled but not sure on your car. What I would do is take off your knee knocker so you can access the PINK ignition wire and also the ORANGE accessory wire. This car is relatively simple in design and the PCM shouldn't have to wait for anything. Now, you could have a bad connection to the BCM that might be giving you fits???? Does the car stay running fine after it has started?

Yes it runs fine. I can turn the key on and one time the bat and temp light comes on and the next time it doesn't. I think I'll order the switch and see what happens.

It was a bad PCM, swapped it with a rebuilt and I'm a happy camper!

what is the PCM?

A PCM is the Power Control Module AKA brain, AKA engine control computer. The main computer needed to run your car. On my 95 olds it was this item http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?SourceArea=&SourcePage=SEARCHRESULTS&MfrCode=A1C&MfrPartNumber=773247&PartType=248&PTSet=A

Its got three connectors, one red, one white, and one blue , and its mounted behind the glovebox.

You will need to swap the prom from your old one.

Good Luck,

Matt

it's the starter relay circuit and wires sharoting out due to a desiign flaw
there is a gm tsb

it's the starter relay circuit and wires sharoting out due to a desiign flaw
there is a gm tsb
What is gm tsb? I resolved the problem. One wire going to injector # 3 what busted and I reconnected it. Frankenstein type repair.

I guess we are on different conversations, but I'm glad you got your problem fixed. Sometimes, even the expert can't figure some of the things out. I had 2 look at my car and then a friend and myself figured one injector wasn't getting any electricity.