The behavior is erratic. Sometime it starts with no problem. Other times, even though the battery is fully charged, it will not even turn the starter and displays the Security light on the dash. The Buick dealer says it could be one of several problems with the key lock/switch. However, they describe it as expensive($200-300). Has anyone had this problem and how was it fixed?
This is not an uncommon problem with this type of security system. The keys contain a precision resistance which, when you try to start the cart, is compared with the standard resistance value in the security system.
If a significant difference is found, the security light will come on and the car wont start. There are several variations of this.
And, yes, it is a pain in the butt.
If you want to keep this security feature, you will have to have a competent mechanic replace the parts that are causing the problem . The key itself could be a problem but it is normally due to aging, wear, etc in the key contact device.
You CAN have someone remove the wires to the key reader and solder in a precision resistor like the one you have in your key. This usually solves the no start problem, but your car will no longer have that functioning bit of a security system. Small price to pay, IMO.
A guy who lives across the street from me has a Chevrolet Impala.About two years ago, he had the same, or very similar problem with his car.He took it to somebody to get it fixed.He said it cost him over $400.00 to get it fixed. cuhulin
That is because they went to the trouble to try to put the original system back in working shape.
This system is a piece of crap, IMO.
In my Reatta, there seems to be no other way to easily engineer around it. Unless the VATS system clears your car to start, you will not get the pulses to the injectors which would give you enough gasoline to fire. In other words, just bypassing directly to the starter solenoid would cause the engine to turn over, but it should not start...no gas.
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