Car wont start!!!!!

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 3.1 in it. I have a bad(i think) problem. when i put the key in the ignition all the dash lights come on then go off like normal, so the battery isnt dead. But when i twist the key up tp start it, it does nothing. I changed the starter and seloinoid and thats obviously not the problem.......Does anyone know??? I have that key with the chip in it too...that? or ignition im not sure but i need help...fast Thanks for any replies Tom

Not familair with the Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1, but lets start with the basics...

Have you checked all of the fuses?

Scott

Turn the headlights on. When you turn the key to the start position do the lights dim down? If no, then the starter isnt drawing any power, look for bad wires, contacts, or starter. If yes, then check for a bad battery or starter. Also have your charging system checked if the battery is dead.



Sometimes, you can get a bad starter from the store. (ORiellys especially) If you think it may be bad, have a friend tap on the body of the starter with a small hammer while you try to crank over the engine. They will get dead spots in the windings and this helps to get them past it.

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 3.1 in it. I have a bad(i think) problem. when i put the key in the ignition all the dash lights come on then go off like normal, so the battery isnt dead. But when i twist the key up tp start it, it does nothing. I changed the starter and seloinoid and thats obviously not the problem.......Does anyone know??? I have that key with the chip in it too...that? or ignition im not sure but i need help...fast Thanks for any replies Tom
Does the security lite on the dash stay on during the event, if so that is the source of your problem, post back your answer for additional help.

I have checked all the fuses, they are all fine.....The security light does stay on so does that mean that mu ignition is bad???? My ABS light is on to but i dunno if thats bc my rear brakes are gettin down there??? The car has power to everything so this is really makin me mad.....anymore suggestions???? also it is low on oil i noticed...would the censor in the oil pan let it not start bc it is too low on oil???

How low on oil? To start I recommend getting the low oil problem resolved. Do you have a oil warning light on?

Also, since the 1996 has the Passkey VATS system try cleaning the key resistor pellet first or try a spare, if available. Have you tried the relearn? Key in, ignition to on for at least 10 minutes and off for approximately 30 minutes.

Until the SECURITY light issue is resolved will have starting problems.

Thank you for the Key idea.....It worked which has saved me from killing myself over this deal....thanks for the help.

I have 2006 Grand Prix wouldn't start not even turning over all of a sudden.6 months ago girlfriend lost keys had to take to dealership get new key with chip and reprogram car for that key.So I decided to put old key in the ignition didn't work then put new key in ignition right after car started no problem

I have 2006 Grand Prix wouldn't start not even turning over all of a sudden.6 months ago girlfriend lost keys had to take to dealership get new key with chip and reprogram car for that key.So I decided to put old key in the ignition didn't work then put new key in ignition right after car started no problem

Welcome to AF.

Thanks for participating in the forum, however, please check the date of old threads before resurrecting and relevancy or topic based on the year/generation Grand Prix. The '04 and up GPs use Passkey 3 (PK3) which is based on a transponder in the key and not a resistor pellet and checking resistance for the Passkey 2 VATS system like the 1996 models.