Engine wouldn't start!!

[Asadur]

I wanted to see if something like this has happened to anyone else. forgive me if it's long.

I upgraded to a GXP on Aug 1st and currently have 304 Miles on the car. It's 6:30 PM and I went to the supermarket to get the usual. I got to the car and popped the trunk. i loaded the car then realized I had to go to Staples. When i came back from staples I unlocked the car and proceeded to start my car. It started, i put it in reverse, moved about 2 feet then the engine stopped. I tried to start it again and it kept on sputtering until it finally stopped again.

I waited about 30 seconds, and tried it again. This time the starter wouldn't disengage and kept on trying to turn the engine over (mind you, I have released the key and it's still trying to start the engine) I turned the key to off and it stopped. I called Onstar to see if they can tell me what was wrong and they told me their diognostics can't tell me anything. They called the roadside assistance people and I had to wait. I called couple of my friends and they tried to figure out what was wrong. It seemed like the fuel lines were shut off and the car wouldn't turn over.

As I was talking to my friends, they asked me if the cars alarm system could cause this. So I locked the car, then unlocked it and next thing you know the car started. Very strange. I immediatly went home b4 anything else hapened. When I got home I was thinking, is it possible that when I opened the trunk without disarming the alarm, it caused the system to shut off the fuel to the engine? I am taking the car in tomorrow to see if there are any codes. Anybody aelse go through this.

[wanderso]

I actually had something similar happen to me. I have one set of keys that every now and then, when I try and start the car the security light comes on and the engine refuses to start. What I've learned is first, take the key out, turn it over and it usually starts. Else, I do like you do and open the door, close, lock and then unlock which works too.

Last weekend, it got even more screwy; problem where the security light came on but the engine still started. Security light blinked all the way home - I was worried that at some point the fuel pump would cut out. When I got back, I turned the engine off and then restarted with no light.

I'm taking mine in to the dealer next week, my fear though is if they can reproduce it as I can find no pattern other than it always happens with one set of keys.

[GXP4FUN]

I pop the trunk before disarming the alarm all the time and haven't had any problems with the car starting, but if I do I now know what to do.

let us know what the dealer says

[typhoon]

FYI When starting the engine all you need to do is breifly turn the key to the start position and let go. The starter will automatically engage, start the engine, and then disengage when it starts. That's why the starter was going all by itself. The starter runs until it senses the engine is running. This is pretty much standard on all cars for many years now.

[mena661]

When starting the engine all you need to do is breifly turn the key to the start position and let go.

Didn't know that. Thanks.

[Solstice Lover]

Only standard on all GM's. We have a Mazda that you actually have to hold the key forward until the engine starts. I never seem to start it on the first try, as I'm used to my GM's.

Oh, and if you can believe this: I actually have to turn my own lights on in the Mazda. Luckily I haven't driven around like that... for long.

[mikeysolstice]

Originally Posted by typhoon FYI When starting the engine all you need to do is breifly turn the key to the start position and let go. The starter will automatically engage, start the engine, and then disengage when it starts. That's why the starter was going all by itself. The starter runs until it senses the engine is running. This is pretty much standard on all cars for many years now.

FYI, it would have stopped eventually. If it detects that the engine hasn't started after (I think I have this time right) 10 seconds, it gives up and stops cranking. So you don't really have to turn the key off to get it to stop, although you can do that if you want in order to stop it early.

Mike

[dengel]

There may be an issue with the security chip in your key and/or your key fob. Do you use the same key and fob everyday, or did you switch keys at some point?

Our cars are equipped with PASS-Key III+, I believe. This is a security system that reads data off a computer chip in your key. If the car doesn't read the correct data, the fuel cutoff will be initiated. It sounds like this is what happened to you.

It was a long time ago, but I think I remember an issue where the "second" key had some programming problems and wouldn't always work. Owner's had to get the key reprogrammed by the dealership.

[typhoon]

Originally Posted by Solstice Lover Only standard on all GM's. We have a Mazda that you actually have to hold the key forward until the engine starts. I never seem to start it on the first try, as I'm used to my GM's. Oh, and if you can believe this: I actually have to turn my own lights on in the Mazda. Luckily I haven't driven around like that... for long.

Also standard on BMW since early 90's, and newer Mercedes and some Chrysler. Don't know about Ford, haven't touched one since 1971.

[Asadur]

I got the car back a few days ago and the dealer figured out what was wrong. Apparently one of the electrical terminals for the fuel pump would get loose when the engine compartment would get hot. They completely replaced the terminal, tested the car and all is good. No issues thus far.
If anybody wants the technical info i can copy it from the repair workorder..

[Solstice Lover]

Good news. I'm glad they found it.