2003 Century wont start

[txgreekprincess]

I have a 2003 Buick Century. Replaced battery and starter. Still won't turnover. Lights come on but doesnt even attempt to turn over, no clicking, no nothing. What else could it be?

[GTP Dad]

There are several possibilities with this issue. First, make sure that all connections are clean and tight. Second, make sure that the electrical connection at the power control center, located under the hood is tight. Third, you may have a bad ignition switch that is not making contact to send a signal to the starter to cause it to turn over. Fourth, you could have a bad starter solenoid that is not engaging the starter, of course if you replaced the solenoid when you replaced the starter then you can ignore this one. Fifth, make sure to check all wires going to the starter to insure that you didn't miss reconnecting one or that one of the fusable links aren't burnt. Finally, I would get a remote starter switch, few dollars at Autozone, and connect it to see if it is the ignition circuit vs the battery cables, grounds or other connections. If it will turn over then the ignition circuit is the problem, if not you could have a problem with the new starter or the new battery. Just a few items to check!!! Good Luck!

[BNaylor]

Also check your SECURITY light and make sure it's not on indicating a theft-deterrent Passkey problem. As GTPDad suggested the starter solenoid is probably not getting the 12v from the ignition switch.

In the power control center (engine compartment fuse box) check the IGNITION MAIN fuses, IGNITION MAIN relay, and STARTER SOLENOID relay. One other component between the ignition circuits and starter solenoid is the transmission range switch which has the neutral safety switch.

If you know how to use one, voltages can be checked with a multimeter.

[txgreekprincess]

I will try all of the suggestions. Thank you so much. One thing I failed to mention, in case it helps to diagnose the problem a little bit better, is that when I drove it the day before, it started, but then when I went to turn the AC on, nothing happened. I kept flicking the AC switch on and off. After a couple of minutes all of a sudden the AC kicked on and started blowing. So I am thinking it is something definitly electrical going on. Does that help offer any more suggested items I should check? Thank you again!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by txgreekprincess

I will try all of the suggestions. Thank you so much. One thing I failed to mention, in case it helps to diagnose the problem a little bit better, is that when I drove it the day before, it started, but then when I went to turn the AC on, nothing happened. I kept flicking the AC switch on and off. After a couple of minutes all of a sudden the AC kicked on and started blowing. So I am thinking it is something definitly electrical going on. Does that help offer any more suggested items I should check? Thank you again!

Although I consider it a premature failure for a 2003 car, you probably have a bad ignition switch and harness assembly. Especially since you mentioned to us the AC blower problem.

This is typically not a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) job because it entails replacing the complete ignition switch and wiring harness assembly and the driver's side air bag is involved in corrective maintenance. The switch runs around $115.00 (GM list) and may cost a few hundred in labor. It may be covered if you have any warranty remaining.

Here is a pic of the item: