1999 Chevy Malibu.
Engine size = 6 Cylinder.
Question = The car will not start when the ignition is turned all the way over. The battery is fine
and I think it is a switch problem.
Sometimes I can leave it alone for a few hours and it will fire right up.
Other times I just turn the ignition on and off about 5 or 6 times and it starts.
I can detect a pattern to this problem as it seems to come and go.
This is very frustrating and I am thinking I am better off installing a push button switch on the
vehicle.
Engine size = 6 Cylinder.
Question = The car will not start when the ignition is turned all the way over. The battery is fine
and I think it is a switch problem.
Sometimes I can leave it alone for a few hours and it will fire right up.
Other times I just turn the ignition on and off about 5 or 6 times and it starts.
I can detect a pattern to this problem as it seems to come and go.
This is very frustrating and I am thinking I am better off installing a push button switch on the
vehicle.
Answer:
If the engine does not crank, then you may have a starter problem. If the engine does not crank, and
the security / theft warning light stays on when it won't start- and you let go of the key to the ON
position, then this is most likely a problem in the Passlock system. The ignition cylinder is also know
as the Passlock Sensor. This is what sends the security data to the Body Control Module (BCM) to
allow the car to start. This part failing is very common on this car.
If there is no security warning, then this is a possible ignition switch problem. This would explain
turning the ignition back and forth several times. This action will usually cause a bad switch to correct
itself for a time.
Be sure to check the basics- battery cables clean and tight
If the engine does not crank, then you may have a starter problem. If the engine does not crank, and
the security / theft warning light stays on when it won't start- and you let go of the key to the ON
position, then this is most likely a problem in the Passlock system. The ignition cylinder is also know
as the Passlock Sensor. This is what sends the security data to the Body Control Module (BCM) to
allow the car to start. This part failing is very common on this car.
If there is no security warning, then this is a possible ignition switch problem. This would explain
turning the ignition back and forth several times. This action will usually cause a bad switch to correct
itself for a time.
Be sure to check the basics- battery cables clean and tight
| 1-8-11 i have similar problem with 2002 Alero but car will turn over fine but no spark keep trying and as soon as i get spark it starts right up. Any ideas? |
Comments
| If you are sure you only don't have spark, them you may have an ignition module acting up. If you do not have injector pulse as well, may be a crank position sensor or ignition switch or theft system or PCM. Would need more info of some preliminary diagnosis. |
| 3-14-11 i have 2000 Silverado it spits and sputters when i try to start it then i give it some gas then it fires up runs great after that only spits and sputters on start up. Any advice |
| You either have a very clogged fuel filter, or are in need of a new fuel pump. Fuel pressure should be checked, and should be no lower than about 55psi while running or key on. By turning the key several times, you are priming the fuel system up enough to start the vehicle, so you definitely have a fuel issue. Also possibly a leaking fuel pressure regulator causing a rich condition. |
| 4-15-11 I have 96 chevy Tahoe was broken into, changed ignition switch, now when I get into it to start it the dash lites dont come on and truck wont start, when they finally come on it turns rite over. |
| 8-5-11 i have a 2004 pontiac grand prix gt1 and i seem to have a similar problem. It turns over like its going to start and then just sits there but if i give it gas (no matter how little) it fires right up and stays running. Little help on this one? |
| Two common problems for this. Either the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) is leaking causing a rich condition that needs a little help clearing out, or the throttle has a lot a carbon buildup. It would just need a good cleaning. |
| 12-8-11 Where is the fuel pressure regulator on a 2001 GMC Sonoma? |
| If you have the 4.3L Vortec engine, the fuel pressure regulator is located under the upper intake manifold plenum. It is attached to the fuel injector assembly, commonly known as the "Spider" as on older systems, even though this system is much different. |
| 1-11-12 I have the same problem as the one on 3-14-11 but my car is BMW 318i Dolphin. Any advise? |
| 1-20-12 Hi guys :) My serpentine belt broke, stranding me at the grocery store just recently. Do to circumstances, I was advised to drive the short distance home so the belt could be replaced (less then 10 miles) The new belt has been on but now there is an issue starting the truck. It starts to turn over, very slowly, sounding as if the battery is drained but it just won't fully start. We've had the battery checked and it's at 12.55 v. It cranks slow but won't fire up. And now the key won't come out of the ignition. Please help... What could this be? |
| The key not coming out is usually a low voltage problem of key cylinder problem. The fact that is cranks slow may be because the engine has been damaged due to overheating as the belt was broke and water pump not turning for a 10 mile trip. The engine must have overheated very badly. |
| 3-4-12 I HAVE A CHEVROLET LUMINA, IF I TRY TO START IT FROM THE KEY IT WOULDN'T START IF I TRY TO BRIDGE THE STARTER IT STARTS AND RUN FOR A FEW SECONDS IF I GET IT TO START FROM THE KEY THE VEHICLE WORKS FINE, I HAVE ALREADY REPAIR THE IGNITION SWITCH, I NEED HELP FOLKS. |
| 3-7-12 I have a 2005 Silverado go to turn it over fires then dies I also lost all power to my locks n windows what could cause this? |
| You could have several blown fuses- check them all. You could also have a theft system problems for the starting issue. But that would have nothing to do with the locks or windows. May be a bad ignition switch. |
| 3-26-12 I have 96 ford escort 1.9 starts fine cold turn it off warm wait 5minutes hard starting turn the key few times on and off listen to fuel pump prime then it start whats the problem also got a P0420 code that came up. |
| Where is the pcm on the Toyota Echo? |
| I have an 05 Silverado and after engaging the starter seemed like the engine caught but failed to start and from that point I was unable to get it to start. It would turn over fine but would backfire somewhat but not start until depressing the accelerator and finally it started. The problem was a carboned up IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE which I had replaced at a non dealer repair shop for $125.00. You can clean it but I didn't want to chance it. |
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I Must Turn The Key Several Times Before My Chevy Starts