What Might Be Causing This Car To Do This
Posted in Ignition Systems | Asked on Feb 21, 2011
Every once in a while, my car does this messed up thing and won’t start. Sometimes, when you go to the turn the key to ‘start’, it won’t do anything. It won’t turn over and there is absolutely no sound of the engine trying to start, and I know it’s not the the battery because it will usually start [without a boost] after leaving it for 15 minutes or so – plus we took it in to have the BRAND NEW battery checked as well as the alternator.
Anyway, someone told us it’s a security issue in the car’s computer system. He said that leaving the key in the ignition for a while so the car can ‘read’ it and make sure it’s not being stolen. Another person told us it might be the transmission, while other are insisting it has to be a battery or alternator thing. Can someone please tell me what this might be so that I don’t go spending a fortune just to have it diagnosed, I imagine to take it in for repair will cost enough without a diagnosis!! Help!!
By the way, my car is a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. ThankS!
There are 5 Answers for "What Might Be Causing This Car To Do This"
Could be an immobilizer issue…
The problem is simple, it’s a Chevy! Next time buy a Honda.
If you have an alarm-check under the dash where you would pop the hood for a reset button for the alarm.
it could be a switch or a red button.
my mothers car did that a few times-
if that is not it it could be the starter,it might be on it`s way out.
listen to the next time you start it and it does start,if you hear excess winding after it starts then your starter is going.
but if you hear absolutely nothing,no clicking or anything it might be the alarm,if the reset doesn`t work look into the fuses of the alarm.those do burn out as well.
Look at the battery terminals to see if they are corroded or loose. or it could be that the starter is sticking. tap on the starter and see if it will turn over.
LovelyWarden, I had similar problems with my Toyota Camry and last month. Try getting a free auto warranty quote and see if you can get the policy before you need to get your car fixed. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Warranty-Quote.html