97 Achieva electrical or fuel pump problem?

[graphak]

I have a 97 Olds Achieva and my car suddenly stopped starting today and left me stranded.

I put in the key and turned it all the way to start it, and nothing, it does not turn over at all. When I try to remove the key, it wont turn to the "completely off" position. It will turn as if to start the car, but nothing happens. When its between start, and the 1/4 click position, the gauges and dash lights all blink like crazy, in no apparent pattern. An electronic clicking noise also happens. The lights and other battery operated functions of the car do not work.

I disconnected the battery for awhile to see if it would reset my computer, but it didnt. I was able to get the key turned to the off position once and removed the key, opened the driver door, and the "door open" beeping alarm was different (faster and different pitch) than normal. I thought maybe it was fixed so I tried to start again, it did something mechanically for a split second like try to turn over, but nothing further. Now the key is stuck in the quarter click through start position, the dash lights blink and flutter along with the gauges.

The problem could be computer or security related, also the car may have experienced the coldest weather it has known lately. Bought the car in Albequerque, NM, and I live in cold Greeley, CO.

I read in the forums that it could also be the fuel pump not providing enough pressure. There is no "hum" like normally when the key is turned to any of the positions.

Ive left my car in some parking lot with the battery disconnected so it wont drain. Please help! Any ideas?

[95OldsHO]

Have battery and alternator checked at local parts place, dying batteries and bad alternators can cause the guages to go whacko, along with other problems you describe.

The "hum" you hear when the key is in the on position is the fuel pump pressurizing the fuel system, with no pressure behind them the injectors cant feed the fuel, usualy they wont even work without enough pressure. Not sure if the 97 has one, but if the car does locate the fuel pump test lead and apply 12 volts to it, listen for the pump. From what Ive seen no fuel pump coming on the the "on" key position can mean a bad computer, bad pump, faulty wiring, or security system troubles.


If you havent yet check for coroded battery cables etc, my positve cable with get so much build on it sometimes I have to clean up the contact surfaces or the car will eventually not start(does the flicking guages and sometimes will give a click or two), dunno why, started happening last winter.

Achieva's are known for ignition switch and clutch switch related problems, and the security systems cause headaches as well, I am glad my 95 doesnt have that feature.

[graphak]

Thanks for the reply.

Ill clean off the battery contacts and try to start it once more. If that doesnt work at least I know what to tell the mechanic to look for. After its towed, worked on, and my wallet drained, Ill post whatever was wrong with it since this seems to be such a common problem.