97 Lumina Won't Start

dadof4 · 06-08-2008, 03:30 PM

I have a 97 Lumina 3.1 with 167k miles which was driving fine up until this afternoon. I drove to work about 45 miles, parked it, and 4 hours later ready to go home but it won't start. Try to short the starter and it starts, but after about 2 seconds it dies. Anyone with any ideas? Any help and information is greatly appreciated. I had oil changed at Wal Mart yesterday.

maxwedge · 06-08-2008, 03:46 PM

Vague question, does the engine turn over but not start? Or is there no cranking at all?

jeffcoslacker · 06-08-2008, 05:08 PM

Make sure the wiring to the starter and/or oil pressure sensor didn't get disturbed, they are both in the oil filter area.

dadof4 · 06-08-2008, 05:58 PM

Hi Max, It does not turn over, totaly silent. I tried to crank it with the key ON and screwdriver on the starter. It starts for 2 seconds and then dies. The starter is couple of month old and battery is new. I have checked the wires and they are good and tight. What else should I look for? Thanks for your help.

dadof4 · 06-08-2008, 06:22 PM

Hi Max, It does not turn over, totaly silent. I tried to crank it with the key ON and screwdriver on the starter. It starts for 2 seconds and then dies. The starter is couple of month old and battery is new. I have checked the wires and they are good and tight. What else should I look for? Thanks for your help.

maxwedge · 06-08-2008, 07:18 PM

Does the security lite stay on, also if there is no current to the starter on cranking, the neutral switch on the trans could be bad or the wires in the ign switch for the VATS are broken, if it comes down to the VATS do a sight search for the by pass procedure.

dadof4 · 06-08-2008, 08:02 PM

Hi Max, Yes the Security light and the Check Engine light stays ON at crank. The car is still at my work place, I will check the Neutral switch tomorrow. I have also printed out the VATS bypass procedure, which I should be able to do if it came down to that. Thanks for your help.

cadgear · 06-09-2008, 05:18 PM

Don't forget that the VATS prevents ANY cranking, even with the bypass, for up to ten minutes after a "fault" or an attempt to use the wrong key. In your case, even if the key fits, the resistor chip must make good contact. If the VATS sees the no-contact scenario, but the key turns the cylinder, it will kill the fuel/starter systems for the duration; resetting the timer after each attempt.

When you try to crank, don't keep at it expecting it to go. Ten minute cooldown on VATS.

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