'97 won't start

[denmarden]

'97 Lumina wont start on first try, all lights go on also the radio goes on, change oil light stays on. (but this is to early). When key is turned, car won't start. Later car starts no problems. Shop replaced the starter, but this didn't fix problem. Shop owner thinks I'm nuts because he has no problems starting car, but i'm the one getting stranded. Please help!

[fopu]

Please be more specific.

[denmarden]

1st day having problem tried to start car,no sound from key (no clicking)but all the light and radio were on, tow driver came 3 hours later,he started car no problems, said battery was fine but i should have it taken to a shop to find problem, had car towed to shop were they replaced starter? left with car, drove for 30min, after car was off for 20 minutes, i went to start car and same thing light/radio/door chime on, turn key and no start same as 1st day. waited 15 minutes and car started, went back to shop and shop gave old starter and money back, said he can't find problem.

[fopu]

In this case, it might be the positive cable. If this is the problem, you'll be able to start it if you jump it. Try to replace the cable as it might have a very high resistivity due to corosion.

[callalilly81]

mine used to do that. i got stuck several times... sometimes all i had to do was wait 5 min. or so, and it would start. wierd. seems it was the battery. replaced it 3 times with same brand, and then went and got one from sears. no problems since.

[mlw35405]

IS the SECURITY LIGHT on when you try to start? Sounds like you are having a problem with your passkey system. Try to clean the resister in the ignition key. Also read other posts about the security key system.

[denmarden]

Thank-You! Just back from another shop and it was the chip key. All this trouble from a key! Next time i'll check here first! Just wish the 1st mechanic would have! LoL

[SSSSSmokey]

This same thing is happening to me right now - how can I tell if it is the key? I can measure the resistance, what should it be?

[cadgear]

Well, there's fifteen different values it could/should be. What reading do you get right now?

[SSSSSmokey]

I measured around 444 ohms. However, this could be off by like 50 in either direction. :-/

[cadgear]

It should be from 386 - 438 ?

Double check the key resistance with a DVMM and make sure your resistor is clean.

[SSSSSmokey]

I don't have a DMM right now...all I've got is a 4.5v supply and an analog ampmeter. I tried cleaning it, but nothing changed. It looked pretty clean already and I had no problem running current through it.