97 Riviera not starting - security light stays on!

[CaveCanem]

Everything comes on, but the car does not even attempt to start. The security light comes on, and stays on for at least a couple of minutes. If you wait until the light goes out it will usually start. Unfortunately, it is getting progressively worse.

The battery, starter and everything has been checked by a Buick dealership's mechanic, but they cannot find the source of the problem. I am hoping that someone on this forum has had this problem, and solved it.

Could it be that the chip on the key can no longer be read reliably by the cars security system? This problem occurs with all three sets of keys, so I do not think it is the chip on the key.

Thanks!

J.T.

[chalkman]

Originally Posted by CaveCanem

Everything comes on, but the car does not even attempt to start. The security light comes on, and stays on for at least a couple of minutes. If you wait until the light goes out it will usually start. Unfortunately, it is getting progressively worse.


Thanks!

J.T.

My 95 Riv has had the same mysterious problem. My symptoms are:

FIRST: Occasional "no start" condition; no crank at all, security light stays on during 3 minute "security time-out". Once light goes out, all is ok and it starts.

Second: When attempting to start, the starter does not crank (nor is it commanded to), and has a fast "buzzing" sound from the dash. Lights do a nice dance on the gauges. If I release the key and crank again, it fires right up; or sometimes it won't!!

I have checked my key resistors and they are 9.5Kohm; right on the mark. I have tried cleaning the contacts in the ignition swith, no help.

This is, and has been very elusive. Ambient temp can be hot, cold, raining, snowing, doesn't matter. It just picks it's time to act up. I am beginning to think it is the PASS-II module. It is the only thing that really controls it all. Whatever it is, I wish it would just fail 100%, it sure would be easier...

[enoelle]

My 95 Riviera does the exact same thing. Have you also noticed that when this happens, your brake pedal locks up? People think I'm crazy when I discuss this. Sometimes, I can get the car in Neutral, the brake pedal will release itself, and the car will start.

Remind me why we love this car so much?!

Noelle

[CaveCanem]

Since misery loves company, I am glad to know I am not alone.
This has been the most frustrating problem that I have had with any car. I have taken it to the dealer and a couple of other mechanics. They have been able to replicate the problem, but are unable to pinpoint the cause.

I have not yet noticed a buzzing noise, nor the brake pedal problem, but will pay closer attention next time. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it progresses to that stage.

What have your mechanics said about the problem?
Is there a TSB for this problem?
Is there a site dedicated to the Riviera, like AcuraMDX.org?

Thanks!

J.T.

[MoparMurphy]

Have your ignition switch checked out. Our Riv did not like to start on occasion but eventually will. It would also do the crazy turn on lights or not upon start-up. It got worse over time. We have the computer checked and replaced. Thought it solved the problem but not for long. We kept taking it back to the dealer and they could not replicate until one day the mechanic let it run for an hour and started to mess around under the dash and bumped the ignition switch and it shut down. They replace the switch and we never had a problem since. We found later a tech service deal came out and said this is an inherent problem with these cars. Hopefully this all the problem is.

[chalkman]

Have yet to have any Brake Pedal issues and hope I don't. I do 90% of my own work, but resorted to the dealer on this one, hoping they could get some sort of result. Never acted up for them, all day. I have been into AllData; nothing there. I originally thought the switch, and priced it at $107. Anyone who has had this problem, I would be interested in knowing your mileage when this all started. Maybe after 100,000 the switch just gives up the ghost (or inherits one...) My problems began at about 135,000 and now have 145,000.
Gary

[95rivguy]

I've run into this problem a few times myself with my '95 Riv. What I found is if I unlock the door with the key and not the remote the security won't let me start the car. What I did was just get out and lock and unlock it a couple of times with the remote opener and the car starts right up. Sounds like what I have run into, but maybe it isn't.

John

[65chevy]

I Have a 90 riv and my brother has a 95 riv. I am also a mechanic and I have seen this problem alot in the older rivs and also some of the newer. I haven't replaced the switch in a 95 and newer riv but I have in a few newer vehicles. The problem most likely is the switch it has 2 little white wires that the module reads the key resistance through and those little wires turn every time the key turns eventually they get thin and wore out and do not read the resistance right. The chances are that your key is fine and the switch is the problem. While i cannot guarentee that that is the problem it is highly likely. The gentlemen who mentioned about unlocking the doors manually VS. with the remote also is a possibility.

Grant

[unionman]

Originally Posted by CaveCanem

Everything comes on, but the car does not even attempt to start. The security light comes on, and stays on for at least a couple of minutes. If you wait until the light goes out it will usually start. Unfortunately, it is getting progressively worse.

The battery, starter and everything has been checked by a Buick dealership's mechanic, but they cannot find the source of the problem. I am hoping that someone on this forum has had this problem, and solved it.

Could it be that the chip on the key can no longer be read reliably by the cars security system? This problem occurs with all three sets of keys, so I do not think it is the chip on the key.

Thanks!

J.T.

I had the same problem with my 1997. I replaced the pass-key module and it has worked fine for one year.