Why my car wouldn't start...

[2002V6Firebird]

I was at Wawa today. Came out and my car wouldn't start. It had power. My horn, radio, windows, etc. all worked. Gauges lite up when I turned the key, but nothing happened. No clicking, cranking or anything.

On the 30th or so try, it started.

This happened twice in the last 3 months. But only on the first turn of the ignition. So I thought maybe I didn't turn the key all the way, as it started on the second turn both times.

I was thinking a work key, something with the ignition or maybe the security.

Any ideas what could cause this?

I do have a warranty, so that's not the issue. I would just like to know the cause. And I hate taking my car to the dealership and having to drive the piece of sh*t they loan me :mad:

[silvachris1]

When this happened, did the "Security" light in the dash come on? If so, it could be several things. Could be the resistor in your key going bad, or the ends of the resistor could be dirty. First thing you should do if that's the problem is use an eraser to clean the ends of the resistor. If that doesn't cure the problem, you might need to have a new key made at the dealer (since most places can't do a key with the resistor). Dealerships typically charge 25-35 bucks for a new key. If that doesn't fix it, then the problem is most likely the wires inside the lock cylinder that key goes in. Look up "Security Light" in the search feature for more info on that. If it is the cylinder, it'll be about 270-300 dollars for a shop to replace it. Good luck.

[2002V6Firebird]

Yup, the security light did come on. That's why I thought it was the key. Or the alarm going crazy.

I heard dealers wanted around 80 bucks for a new key and thought that was outrageous. I see new uncut keys for less than 10.

Good thing for my warranty if it is the cylinder.

Thanks for the info.

[silvachris1]

Nah, new keys shouldn't cost any more than 35 bucks. But still, if you get a new key cut and it only works for a little while before it messes up again, then you'll prolly need the cylinder replaced, I went through the exact same thing.

[silvachris1]

Here ya go man, if it's the wires in the cylinder, this is what you're lookin at. http://speed.supercars.net/avatars/17878.jpg