92 lesabre! Please Help Me!!

[bigbuick79]

Have a 92 lesabre, just had the crank sensor replaced about 2 months ago. Now the darn thing just quit on me in wal mart parking lot. When i turn the key, there's nothing. no sounds, no clicking noise, dosen't attempt to turn over, there is absolutely nothing! the battery is fine, connection to it is fine, all the lights, radio, door locks work, please help!

[LeSabre97mint]

Hello

Have you checked for power at the large wire on the starter? If there is power there have someone turn the key to start and check for power to the small wire. If there is't power at the small wire when the key is in the start position there is either a problem with the ignition switch, fuse, relay, or wiring.

You can test the starter if there is power to the large wire. Take a screwdriver (one that you don't care if it gets arced) and touch both the large wire and small wire at the same time with it. If the starter runs the starter isn't the problem. If the starter works you should be able to start the engine by having the key on the run position and then jump the two wires mentioned above.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Dan

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Hello
If the starter works you should be able to start the engine by having the key on the run position and then jump the two wires mentioned above.
Dan

Sorry Dan, but that suggestion will not work. If you jump the starter, the security system will interpret that as a security breach (theft attempt) and disable the injectors. In addition, after you jump the starter, the system will go into the 3-min time countdown before it resets. That may be a good way to test the starter, but the engine will not run without injector pulse. This problem sounds like the key reader did not read the key for some reason, like the key resistor pellet needs cleaning, or a frayed wire in the steering column. BigBuick79, what does the security light do when you turn on the ignition?

[LeSabre97mint]

HotZ

Is there a secerity system on a 92?

Dan

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Max

Is there a secerity system on a 92?

Dan

I'm not Max, but yes there is. It is a system designed to prevent the car from running in case of theft. It is called Pass-Key I (I believe the 92 was still Pass Key I) or sometimes VATS.

http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

[bigbuick79]

HotZ28, to answer your question, the security light flashes on and off.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by bigbuick79

HotZ28, to answer your question, the security light flashes on and off.

If the security light is flashing and does not stop (turn off) after a few seconds, this is an indication that the system is disabling the starter. The most likely component to fail is the ignition lock cylinder, however, you need to be sure that the ignition key is not damaged, dirty, or missing its pellet. If the key resistor is in tact, measure the resistance across the ends of the key pellet.

Next, locate the 2 wire connector at the base of the steering column under the dash. The two pin connector is usually orange (don’t confuse the yellow air bag connector for the lock cylinder connector), and disconnect it. Now, insert the ignition key and turn the key to the “Start” position while measuring the resistance across the two wire connector leading up the steering column. The resistance reading should match the key resistance throughout the entire range of lock cylinder rotation. Any resistance change, will cause a no start situation. If the ohmmeter indicates a change in the resistance reading, the lock cylinder is faulty.


You can bypass the system with a resistor of the same value as the key. We have many threads on that subject, just do a search.


BTW, where is the car? I hope not still at Wally Mart!

[bigbuick79]

Ok, Ill try that. its jus sleet and freezing rain out today and im not gonna mess with it. but yeah, its not the key , i tried my spare and its the same results. And oh yeah!, my car is home, not at wally world!

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by bigbuick79

but yeah, its not the key , i tried my spare and its the same results.

Time for the lock cylinder (key reader) replacement, or bypass resistor.
Keep us informed.

[Ratt643]

Hey Big buick,
I feel your pain, my Buick has the same problem. The cylinder ignition key cylinder in mine is bad and I put the resister in mine. Do you know what resistance the key is? You can take it to a GM dealership and have them check the key or you can take a voltmeter and find the resistance by putting the leads on each side of the pellet. There is a web site that the resistance is posted but don't remeber where right now(out of country). I have the list copied at home and would be happy to give you the resistance when I get home on Saturday. Just let me know.

[kok328]

92 Lesabre has a VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System) and is a Pass Key II system. You can start the vehicle by arcing the starter while the key is in the on position. That's how I got mine started to take to the dealer to find that the wire had broken from old age and daily use of the tilt steering. $365, spare ignition key $25 not included.

[HotZ28]

PassKey-1 will allow you to jump the starter and have injector pulse, but not PassKey-II! PassKey-II, has both starter disable and injector disable.

[bigbuick79]

guys, the by-pass faile me! I think Im just gonna have the shop look at it.

[bigbuick79]

i held the wires to each side of my spare key and tried to start it, it still wouldn't start

[HotZ28]

I assume you checked the starter & solenoid earlier.