1992 Park Avenue - Wont Start At Random Times

[Vol2112]

Car info:
I have a 1992 Buick Park Avenue with roughly 100k miles on it. It was in a fender bender a few years ago (ice patches are no fun) but it seemed to be only cosmetic damage.

Problem:
The car (at random times) will not start.

When I attempt to fully turn the key to start the car, there is nothing. No clicking/rumbling sounds of any kind, just the sound of frustration and disappointment.

The dash lights, radio, power windows, ect work just fine when this happens so I dont believe it has anything to do with the battery.

This problem usually happens once every few months but it has now happened 4 times within a week, which is why I am now posting.

My Solution:
I dont really have one (though, I have not tried anything). The only thing that works is to let the car sit without disturbing it for 10-20 minutes and then it hesitates to start for 3-5 seconds and then fires up.

I hesitate to bring it in for tests as I have no clue what I need them to check. I am hoping someone here has heard of this problem in the past and has an idea what it might be. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[big white bufflo]

it could be the vat system [anti theft ]do you have a security light on when this happens by letting it sit resets the system look and see if your chip on the key is worn or clean it with alchol get out the spare key and use it this is very common in those year of car i had a 92 lasaber 210.000 on it so i know all the little troubles there is a bypass trick if it totaly stop working

[Vol2112]

That is something I never even thought of. Off the top of my head, I cant recall if the security light comes on or not.

I will clean the key and hope that helps.

If it does this again, I will be sure to pay attention to the dash lights! I will update here when I find out.

Thanks for the reply!

[Tech II]

I agree......you need to start your vehicle this way everytime:

Turn key to on....observe the SECURITY light.....should come on as a bulb check, and then go out after 3 seconds....if it goes out, turn key to the crank position and see if it cranks and starts......if it does, that is normal,,,,,if it doesn't crank, then the entire crank circuit has to be checked out(connection at starter, P/N switch, starter enable relay, etc.).....

If the light stays on, and when you turn the key to crank, it doesn't crank, then it could be the key(rare).....more likely it is one of the wires going to the lock cylinder has broken over time due to flexing......can break two ways.....the wire breaks, but the insulation is ok.....this will cause an intermittent problem.....if the wire AND insulation break, then the car will never start......this can be checked by doing an ohm check of the key circuit....with key in the lock cylinder, a measurement of the circuit should equal the resistance of the key......it has to be constant while rotating the key fully several times.......this vehicle does not have a two wire separate connection for this vehicle(like in "W" cars, "F" cars).....it is hardwired to a bulk connector.....

[Vol2112]

I have started the car 3 separate times today and have waited for the secuirty bulb check to disappear. It has started just fine so far.

Will update periodically.

[Vol2112]

Today, the security light stayed on and the car did not start.

Suggestions on where to go to get this fixed?

[big white bufflo]

did you try cleaning the chip on the key with alcohal or use a spare key with less wear its about a 300 + fix or you can do a bypass look on u tube gm bypass all it is .is putting a built up resistor pack to match your key it take about 1hr and about 10 bucks at radio shack

[Tech II]

The "bufflo" is right.....but the problem should be verified first......

PA's do not have a separate connector......it is hardwired all the way from the lock cylinder to a bulk connector(usually mounted above the e-brake)......

With key out of the ignition, a 7mm socket takes the connector apart......measure key resistance......install key in lock cylinder........now probe the two wires coming from the lock cylinder(2 white wires that have an orange sheathing over them) in the bulk connector......should read the same as the key......now rotate the lock cylinder from off to start and back several times......resistance should be constant....if it should go "OL" while rotating, the lock cylinder is your problem.....

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by Vol2112

Today, the security light stayed on and the car did not start.

Was the Security light flashing? Or was it just continually on?

[Vol2112]

Originally Posted by big white bufflo

did you try cleaning the chip on the key with alcohal or use a spare key with less wear its about a 300 + fix or you can do a bypass look on u tube gm bypass all it is .is putting a built up resistor pack to match your key it take about 1hr and about 10 bucks at radio shack

Cleaned it and when I bought the car there was no spare.

[Vol2112]

Originally Posted by imidazol97

Was the Security light flashing? Or was it just continually on?

Its a solid light.

[Vol2112]

Originally Posted by Tech II

The "bufflo" is right.....but the problem should be verified first......

PA's do not have a separate connector......it is hardwired all the way from the lock cylinder to a bulk connector(usually mounted above the e-brake)......

With key out of the ignition, a 7mm socket takes the connector apart......measure key resistance......install key in lock cylinder........now probe the two wires coming from the lock cylinder(2 white wires that have an orange sheathing over them) in the bulk connector......should read the same as the key......now rotate the lock cylinder from off to start and back several times......resistance should be constant....if it should go "OL" while rotating, the lock cylinder is your problem.....

Thanks for the tip. Im not much of a car savvy person. I will have to take it to a family friend when he has the time.