it won't start - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Automotive Wiring and Electrical

slapnut
New User

Sep 26, 2006, 9:50 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1791 views)

it won't start	Sign In

I have a 1993 Oldsmobile 88 Royale with the 3.8 liter engine. My car was running great yesterday and today it won't start. I made sure the battery is fully charged. When I went out to the garage today I opened the car door and saw a small red light flashing on the dash just left of the steering column. Also, when I opened the door, the parking lights started flashing. About 10 seconds after I closed the door they stopped. Oh yea, it just made a very light click when I tried to start it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Sep 27, 2006, 3:57 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1789 views)

Re: it won't start	Sign In

Sounds like some form of alarm/anti theft system has been activated, possibly and after market system?
Some models of Olds back then had factory systems, which were made up of two separate systems. One was called PASS Lock (personalized automotive security system) that prevented the engine from running unless the proper pelleted key was used. The other was called UTD (universal theft deterrent) that would honk the horn repeatedly and flash the parking lights, if the door was opened/unlocked by using something other then the key or the remote key fob.
That’s why I’m thinking after market system it’s not likely that both factory systems failed at the same time. Plus the UTD system wouldn’t affect starting.
If you’ve purchased this car second hand this after market system may have been riding around under the dash and you would have never known until now? Believe me it happens all the time and I’ve seen it with a lot with my customers second hand cars.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"

steve01832
Veteran
steve01832 profile image

Sep 28, 2006, 11:54 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1776 views)

Re: it won't start	Sign In

Awesome hit Dan. To add, sometimes the aftermarket had a silver toggle switch near the LED to select active or passive mode. You may have kicked the switch inadvertently getting out of the car and activated the alarm.

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