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2004 LeSabre Won't crank


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johnds
New User

Aug 15, 2008, 11:26 AM

Post #1 of 7 (3684 views)
2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

Hi Folks,

I could us a little help with this problem. I am a fairly knowledgeable about auto repairs but this is my in law's car and I am not up to speed on it. The car has been sitting for a few months. Sometimes it will crank normal and sometimes it will not crank. I have recharged and had the battery load tested. When I turn the key all the lights come on, the fuel pumps goes and everything is cool till I go to the crank position. Most of the warning lights go out when I go to crank, which is normal I think, but the starter does not engage. I heard relays in the back seat and in the motor compartment click when I turn the key. You put the battery charge on it for a few hours and It will crank but the battery is good. I have worked the shifter back and forth while trying to engage the starter with no luck. I have checked all the ground straps I could find. You can jump it when it won't start and still the starter will not turn over. I am thinking starter relay. Does the model have one? Anyhow I am way open to suggestions. This is one of those intermittent problems that I hate.

Johnds


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Aug 15, 2008, 11:46 AM

Post #2 of 7 (3681 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

One thing that comes to mind is the ground cable location.

The ground location may not be drilled or tapped deep enough into the engine block which prevents the bolt from achieving the recommended torque.

The ground location is on the engine block right in front of the starter.


You need to replace the bolt with a shorter bolt..GM part # 11517862
This is for vehicles built before Dec.19,2003


Circuit description:
Moving the ignition switch to the START position sends a 12 volt signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Ignition Crank Sense. The PCM verifies that the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position. The PCM then grounds the control circuit of the START relay. When the START relay is energized it allows battery positive voltage to the starter solenoid S terminal.

Hope this helps

Jim


johnds
New User

Aug 15, 2008, 11:50 AM

Post #3 of 7 (3677 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In


In Reply To
One thing that comes to mind is the ground cable location.

The ground location may not be drilled or tapped deep enough into the engine block which prevents the bolt from achieving the recommended torque.

The ground location is on the engine block right in front of the starter.


You need to replace the bolt with a shorter bolt..GM part # 11517862
This is for vehicles built before Dec.19,2003


Circuit description:
Moving the ignition switch to the START position sends a 12 volt signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Ignition Crank Sense. The PCM verifies that the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position. The PCM then grounds the control circuit of the START relay. When the START relay is energized it allows battery positive voltage to the starter solenoid S terminal.

Hope this helps

Jim


Jim,

Thanks for the idea. I will check that. I have learned that there is something called a pass key security system on some LeSabre models that could cause problems. Have you heard of that?

John



Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Aug 15, 2008, 12:11 PM

Post #4 of 7 (3676 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

Yes...Here is a description of how that works...



The vehicle theft deterrent system functions are provided by the theft deterrent control module. The VTD system prevents vehicle operation if a valid (learned) transponder Pass-key III (PK3) ignition key is not used to start the vehicle. Vehicles with steering column mounted ignition switches have the exciter integral with the theft deterrent control module which is located within the steering column. Vehicles with instrument panel mounted ignition switches have exciter modules separate from the theft deterrent control module with the vehicle wiring harness connecting the two. The PK3 key has a transponder embedded in the plastic head of the key. The exciter is an antenna which is made up of wire coils which surround the ignition lock cylinder. The PCM enables engine starting when it receives a valid (learned) password from the theft deterrent control module via the class 2 serial data circuit. The components of the VTD system are as follows:
  • The theft deterrent control module
  • The powertrain control module (PCM)
  • The ignition key (transponder)
  • The ignition lock cylinder
  • The security indicator


Jim


johnds
New User

Aug 15, 2008, 12:26 PM

Post #5 of 7 (3668 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

Yeppppp...Problem solved. Somehow I got a key that fit the ignition and doors but the starter would not engage. That key did not say pk3 on it. I found some different keys and they said pk3 on them and the car starts normal using the keys marked pk3. It must of been a trunk key or something. Who knows. I going to find my sling shot and shoot that phony key over the bank as far as I can.

Jim....Thanks for your help. It is much appreciated.

Johnds


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Aug 15, 2008, 2:05 PM

Post #6 of 7 (3666 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

Thanks for posting the fix.

Glad i could assist you!

I have a few items that you could sling for me also!

Give me the old days!

Use us again if need be!

Jim


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Aug 15, 2008, 3:35 PM

Post #7 of 7 (3659 views)
Re: 2004 LeSabre Won't crank Sign In

For you Jim.





Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds






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