No start

[ellev8or]

PA Base
149,000 miles

This one is puzzling; at least to me. I'll attempt to explain what's wrong without confusing anyone and prevent a long post.

My car doesn't start every time. Sometimes I have to wait for a few minutes before it does, meaning, when I turn the key, it does nothing. There's no cluttering or blinking of lights or anything else that would indicate a bad starter, bad battery or electrical issue.

I've had the battery, starter and alternator checked and my mechanic says that everything is good. He thinks its the ignition key or the security system is going bad.

I purchased a new key two weeks ago and it started up every time until earlier today.

In the speedometer and odometer section, specifically the 'Park, R, N, D, 2, 1' section, there's an orange pin-like indicator that moves when you change gears. Mine is stuck between the '2 and 1', even when I place the car in park, reverse or drive. Could this be any cause to my vehicle not starting?

Is this a common issue with PA's or is it rare?

Thanks in advance.

[Tech II]

What year? SC'er or non?

[ellev8or]

@ Tech II

My fault.

92

SC'er or non? I don't understand.

[Tech II]

Supercharged engine, or non supercharged?

I'll assume no supercharger......

Can't remember if this PRNDL uses the old system of a string attached to the steering column....as you rotate the column, the string attached with a clip moves the indicator in the I/P display.......

Yes it could be a security problem....pay close attention to the SECURITY light in the I/P display.......when you turn the key to "ON"(don't crank), the light should come on for 3-5 seconds and go out......if it stays on, you do have a security problem......the usual problem is the lock cylinder......there are two wires going up the column to it....over time they flex and break....if they break completely, the car will not start...if only the wire breaks inside the insulation(insulation does not break), this will cause an intermittent condition.....

Two options if this is the problem.......take steering column apart and replace the lock cylinder....or.....get a resistor equal to the resistance pellet on your ignition key, buy a resistor of equal value at a place like Radio Shack....then find the wires going up the column, cut them(they will be inside an orange sheathe), and attach the resistor to the wires going away from the column....like I said, this is the usual fix for the SECURITY LIGHT staying on.....

If the light goes out after 3-5 seconds, and then you turn the key to the crank position, and it doesn't crank, check connections at the battery, chassis ground, and at the starter solenoid......if you have power at the purple wire going to the "S" terminal of the starter solenoid(with the key in the crank position), and it doesn't crank, and all connections are clean and tight, you need a new starter/solenoid.....if no power, could be the P/N switch or the crank relay.....

[ellev8or]

@ Tech II

No super charge

Before cranking the engine with the key in the 'On' position, the security light stays on and never goes out. Once the engine is started the security light goes out after a few seconds. But as you exactly described, the security light stays on with the key in the 'On' position.

I'll have my mechanic do the repairs.

Thank you so much.

[Tech II]

You're welcome...