1998 cadillac deville
i went to get a new radio installed. afterwards i filled up and
drove home. about 15 mins later when jumped in my caddy
wouldnt start at all. ive changed the battery, fuel filter, all
the spark plugs and wires, the ignition core pack, and still
nothing. any suggestions?
5 Answers
Will it crank? If not, is the Passkey Fault light staying on or are you seeing a message about starting disabled? If so it's a security system problem. Try this, try to start the engine. Turn off the ignition but leave the key in the ignition. Wait exactly 4 minutes. Try to start it again. See if you can get any trouble codes out of the PCM (engine computer). You're looking for a fuel enable signal lost code. If you have that code, again, it's a security system problem. Call the place who installed the radio at this point and have them tow it in for repairs. They didn't hook something up right and triggered the security system. Do not waste your time on the 10 minute or 30 minute relearn procedure that everyone talks about! It will NOT work in this situation! Hope that helps! Jim
it cranks. the service engine light comes on. i had gotten a oil change the day before it stopped working.
Ok, check and see if you have spark and fuel. Spray a little bit of starting fluid down the throttle body. It should run a few seconds on that. If so, it's a fuel problem. Turn the ignition on but don't try to start the engine. Listen for the fuel pump. It should run a few seconds. If not, get a hammer and hit the bottom center of the gas tank a few times. If that gets you going it's a bad fuel pump. If not, check the fuel pump relay. If that's ok check the wiring going to the crankshaft position sensor. Make sure it's securely plugged in. If it won't run on the starting fluid check for spark. Remove any of the spark plug wires from a spark plug. Put a large screwdriver with a wooden or plastic handle in the end where it was plugged onto the spark plug. Have a helper crank the engine while you hold the screwdriver near something metal that is not painted. You should see and possibly hear a good strong rhythmic spark. It will sound like SNAP SNAP SNAP. If you do, it's time for a compression test. If all cylinders test very low or zero it's jumped timing. Hope that helps! Jim
Hit the lock button, go to the passanger door and unlock it. Then check and see if it runs. Your key passport might be dying. Replcae the battery in it.