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Car will not attempt to start and keys get stuck...

L

Levi

New member
I have a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8L, non-GTP, automatic.

Recently had the fuel pump replaced by a shop.

Since then I have had episodes of:
1. The car not attempting to start (no clicks, and usually no POWER to anything, lights, etc)
2. When this occurs the keys get stuck in the ignition and you can't get them out unless you manually disengage the lock under the steering column, or you let the car sit for a few hours, or you disconnect/re-connect the battery.

The car's battery is fine.
Alternator is fine.
No SES light nor codes.

The above have both been tested by shops and all is well.

I hooked up an ammeter to the battery and I couldn't appreciate any current draw with the car off and no keys in the car.

I'm kind of at a loss.

I'm wondering if it's the BCM and/or the PCM.

I don't get any security light either, I have seen that disable the car completely on the GM cars.

It all started after the new fuel pump. I am wondering h/o if the underlying problem (undiagnosed) led to the new fuel pump (gauges were acting funny and then the car just died and the shop said it needed a fuel pump).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have scoured Google and forums and haven't seen anyone with this problem.
 


neatural safty switch? So in other words the car is in gear...or thinks it is and won't let you tyake the key out plus it won't start??
 
I dont know what to tell you about the first part, but when the keys get stuck (this will sound a little rigged and ridiculous) ...

The release button/lever on shift knob, squeeze rapidly until you hear a click. For some reason i found this to be helpful and it works once there is a click--the keys will come right out.
 
my car is doing the exact same thing. bu ti dont think its your fuel pump because i didnt change mine before it happened to me. if you fid a solution let me know please and i'll do the same
 


try taking your battery out of the car and charging it. thats what we did to mine and it started right up and i havent had a problem since. i think the keys getting stuck is like a security thing if the battery is dead for so long.
 
Sarahh said:
try taking your battery out of the car and charging it. thats what we did to mine and it started right up and i havent had a problem since. i think the keys getting stuck is like a security thing if the battery is dead for so long.
Click to expand...


This seems counter intuitive... If my battery is dead the last thing I want is my keys to be stuck in the car as it charges..
 
Theres a button underneath the steering column that will release the keys. we had the same problem. we got it fixed on my bros gfs grand prix GT, it wasnt cheap if i can recall but yeah it thinks its not in park thats why.
 


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