Weird issue

[terrancew3]

So yesterday, the Bonneville was driving fine. Pull up to my friends house so he could grab some stuff inside, when I was sitting in my car yet. All of a sudden I noticed my Driver Information thing saying "Service Security System" and "Service Engine Soon" as well as the traction control off, and low traction lights going on and off. The security light was flashing as well. So I turned my car off. Tried to restart and there was nothing. The dash lights would turn on, the fuel pump would prime, and the headlights would turn on, but nothing else happened. Not even the starter turning over. So I got out of the car and tried starting with my remote start, and the remote said it started but the car was still off. So the next thing I tried was pulling the battery cable, to reset the computer. Unhooked the negative for about 5 minutes, and then reconnected it. Put my key in the ignition and it turned over for a few seconds and then fired up with no lights flashing or any service things on the info. The car ran fine for the rest of the day without any issues. Well, now today I was driving for a good 45 to 60 minutes and nothing happened. Stopped to eat, and then after about an hour we were ready to leave. I started my car up, and the security light was on as well as the traction off was lit up. In the Driver Info is said service security, but went away when I pressed reset. The car drove fine all the way back home, and never stalled or studdered. (I was afraid to shut it off being an hour from home without any tools). I got home, and figured I'd try to shut it off and reset the car. So I turned it off, and waited a few seconds and turned the key and the car fired up and all the lights were off again.

Anyone have any idea what is going on? I have a hint of a feeling it might have to do something with my Viper remote start system screwing with my security system, causing the car not to start. But I'm not 100% sure that would cause that either. Any info would help. At this point, I'm just happy I have the G8 to rely on now when stuff like this happens on the Bonneville.

[nos4blood70]

Make sure the positive cable on the battery is tight. I had security warnings when mine wasn't.

Beyond that, I have no clue.

[BBamm]

Might be a ground issue too...

[Sirius]

Cheap & easy checks:

Both battery terminals - check for corrosion and good contact between cable & battery.
Chassis ground to battery - pull it off and clean body contact area and cable contact area.

I just had the ignition switch go out on my car. It gave me whacky indications like "check air bag", "calibrate compass", CEL, A/C blew warm...when I turned the key to start I got no power to the starter at all. Dash lights would go out (like they're supposed to) but no solenoid clicks or anything. Sometimes a few key turns would get it to start, then it would be fine for about a week. Then nothing again. Since changing the ignition switch I've had no problems with DIC warnings, A/C, etc.

One thing different between our situations is that I didn't have a security light coming on. It is still possible that the switch is the culprit, though, as there is a contact in the switch that closes as soon as you turn the key and sends a signal to the Theft Deterrent Module, the Dash Integration Module, and the Powertrain Control Module. When you turn through to the START position, an additional contact closes which sends a signal to the PCM Ignition Crank Sense. If either, or both, of those contacts are making a poor connection I reckon it could produce the funky stuff you're seeing.

Check your battery & ground connections first, but if the symptoms persist and especially if the failure to start becomes more frequent I'd focus the Eye of Mordor on the ignition switch. A replacement switch from Bonnevilles Unlimited (~$30-40) and an hour of your time is all it takes if the switch is indeed faulty.

[terrancew3]

I know the battery cables are good, I checked those first. I'll have to check the chassis ground though.

Could it be a worn key? I mean this key is original, so it's 15 years old. could it be it's worn down enough that it didn't contact the tumblers right?

[Sirius]

I know the battery cables are good, I checked those first. I'll have to check the chassis ground though.

Could it be a worn key? I mean this key is original, so it's 15 years old. could it be it's worn down enough that it didn't contact the tumblers right?

Nope. If the lock cylinder is turning, the key is fine. The tumblers in the lock cylinder have absolutely nothing to do with switching, they merely allow the lock cylinder to turn. There's a cam that the lock cylinder rotates that opens or closes certain contacts depending on switch position. Those contacts could be dirty or sticky, if the ignition switch is your problem. Unfortunately I have not come up with an easy way to check your switch while still in the car. I know what to look for, just not how to easily access the circuits without taking the switch out.

Is your voltmeter steady, or does it wander a few volts up & down? In my car that typically indicates a poor connection at a battery terminal (mine tend to work loose for some reason). If it stays fairly steady between 13-15 volts, you're probably OK. Still a good idea to clean up the chassis connection, though. Mine was not corroded, but there was a lot of paint in the contact area.

[terrancew3]

Yeah, my volts reads fine, doesn't fluctuate more than like +/- .5 volts. When I get time, I will take a look at the chassis ground, but where do I look for this? Have a diagram or picture I can reference off of?

[Sirius]

The chassis ground, or return to the battery, is right there under the back seat. Just follow the negative battery cable to where it bolts to the car.

[terrancew3]

Ah, gotcha. I'll check it out when I get free.