99 Regal Doesn't start (Please Help)

[Booyahh]

Hi Guys

I own a 99 regal LS (W/GS upgrades) and until now I have never had a problem. My problem is that it frequently refuses to start. I turn the key and nothing happens. No crank, no click, NOTHING. I have already checked the battery and starter and have even replaced the neutral start switch. The odd thing is that when it does start The ABS, Traction control and SRS warning lights remain on and I am not able to shift out of park. Further more when I turn on one of the blinkers by shifting the stalk the engine shuts down and refuses to start again for a long time. If anyone has any idea of what is going on please let me know. I have talked to the dealer and they say it may be the ignition switch. ($400 to replace). I think it may have something to do with the alarm system. I'd rather save that money than spend it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Old Lar]

It sound like the dealer is guessing as well about the problem. Trying to trouble shoot a car over the internet is hard since the problem seems to be an oddball one and intermittant. Sound like a problem in the steering column. There should be an overide switch(?) that would allow you to shift the gear selector. You'd need to check the owners manual for your location and override instructions.. Mine is on the floor shift console to the right of the gear shift lever. I think you just pop the plastic cover with a screwdriver then push the switch in.

I had the ignition resistor die, but the car would start and run for 5 seconds then die. It got towed to the dealer for some expensive repairs.

[Booyahh]

I had the ignition resistor die, but the car would start and run for 5 seconds then die. It got towed to the dealer for some expensive repairs.

Thanx for the input lar. I think I may have to do the same thing

[Flatrater]

It is the ignition switch. Ask the dealer to call tech assist on this problem. I have fixed many cars with this same problem.

[Booyahh]

thanx flatrater

I just took the car in to the dealer. They confirmed you diagnosis ($340 Gone) Sure whish they could make the things more reliable. By the way, do you know what is involved in a tune up? They want another $350 for that too. Could I do this on my own????

[Old Lar]

I went through my record to see what the "tune up" cost me. Spark plug wires were ~$57 Labor was ~$144. Spark plugs ~$30 and ~$101 for fuel system flush and some O rings (?)

The car had been acting strange and I thought it was a trasmission problem. It was all tune up related problem. The selling point of 100,000 mile tune up interval was BS. This was all done at 60,000 miles.

The ignition resistor problem was a ~$44 parts and ~$177 labor job.

Tune up = plugs, wires, fuel filter, PVC valve, air filter.

Yes you could do this yourself. Plugs may be a PITA to get out and replace, especially those up next to the firewall.

[Booyahh]

Yes you could do this yourself. Plugs may be a PITA to get out and replace, especially those up next to the firewall.

Thanx alot Lar. I Every thing but the wireset was done a month ago. I found that (bosch) at autozone for $40. Other than that I will probably change the PCV Valve. Once again thanx a lot