2000 Grand Am, Security Light/Starter?

Here's my story...


Car was running perfectly fine, even though the security light is always on. Then one day it just would not start. It sounded like it was cranking, but wouldn't start at all.

Got the vehicle towed to the mechanic and he took a look at it. Says my starter is shot? After reading all the posts about the security light I'm not sure if he really knows what he is talking about. Could anyone think of a reason why this could be a starter problem and not the passlock.

Of course he wants to sell me a 200.00 dollar starter + labor now.

Thanks again,
Josh

Well if you have been cranking and cranking on the starter it very well could be bad.
They can be load tested at most part stores, for free.

Thess starters arent cheap either.

And if the security lights on, then you have other issues too.

and welcome to AF.

Yea, it was working before I took it to the mechanic and now it's like dead. I turn it over and the freaking car trys slightly and dies. The mechanic says it's the starter. ugh.. this car is a pain in the you know what. Load tested? How would i go about doing that? bring the whole car or just the part?

Thanks,

Yeah just take the starter in to most autoparts stores and they can test it.
Same with alternators/generators, some can even test ignition system components, some ... dont do anything.

Also if your car has been difficult to start previous to you taking it in, it is possible that it became worn out.
... if you used any sort of battery "boost" , it most deffinatly can be toasted.

Good Luck and have a great weekend!

Ok so i just got the starter fixed. ****ing thing won't start. Security light is still on. Does the security system cut off fuel? It starts and than will die. The engine sounds like it is coughing. Needing something like air or fuel or something to keep it running.

Thanks,
Josh

Ok since the security lights on it does kill fuel and or spark.


Try this to the "T" and it should fix the security light issues...

Security relearn procedure:

1) Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
2) Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
3) Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
4) Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
5) Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
6) Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
7) On 4th attempt, car should start.

NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete

Ok I'm going to try this tomorrow. Quick question. If you say it kills the spark and fuel why is the car trying to turn over but than dies. I told the mechanic about the security issue, and how it might be affecting the fuel pump. He said these cars won't even turn over if the security is enabled on the vehicle, which you say isn't true. The mechanic then claimed he checked the fuel pressure for sufficient psi.

Any ideas why it's sparking, since you say no spark should happen if passlock is enabled?

Thanks