car won't start....sometimes.

[Outkast]

ok heres the situation...

you put in the key and check traction control and/or gear shifter error shows on the message center. the led for the alarm will flash very fast and the car just cranks. At first you could shut the key off and turn it back on and all is well but now, last night i had to sit twice for almost 10 minutes before it would work right. somtimes if you set the alarm (lock the doors) then unlock it will start...but not everytime....any ideas??

car is all stock factory keyless and everything. i only have one key, so i cant check if its the code key or not

2000 ls v8.

btw somtimes it will shut off at a light or under minor acceleration and the same message comes up on the center...check traction control.

 

[gcwimmer]

Might be your battery, the electronics can do strange thing when the battery is low, charge the battery and then go from there.

 

[Outkast]

brand new...optima red top...had this issue before and it still happened after the new battery....hmmm

 

[NYC LS8]

I'm gonna bet it's the key. Take note of which way you put it in when it doesn't start then flip it over and try it that way. See if that does anything...?

 

[Outkast]

I'm gonna bet it's the key. Take note of which way you put it in when it doesn't start then flip it over and try it that way. See if that does anything...?

noted...i think i tried that but ill do it again

 

[joegr]

I'd measure the battery voltage while cranking, and check that the connections are tight. Those symptoms don't sound like a key issue.

 

[Outkast]

it will do it without cranking though...all u have to do is turn on the key and the led strobes

 

[joegr]

Okay, but checking battery voltage under a heavy load tells you much much more about the battery than just checking it under a light load.

 

[Outkast]

just got back from the zone, the battery was fine, held 11.6volts under load...after the test, the car started right up too....but im sure it was just luck.

 

[Outkast]

any way to tell if it is the key besides buying a new one?

why does it show check traction control and or/gear selector error?

could it possibly need a reflash on the tranny? could that make it not start?

 

[joegr]

Is the PATS light flashing out a code? Maybe your other symptoms are unrelated. Did it all start at once?

 

[Outkast]

its a 2000 i dont think i have a pats light but it used to happen every once in a while, then it was every couple days, now its almost everytime i get in the car

 

[joegr]

Sorry, the PATS light is the little red light on the top of the dash, the one you called the "alarm LED." Is there a pattern to the way it blinks? Does it flash X times, pause, and flash Y times?

 

[Outkast]

nope no pattern it just flashes fast...say 2 flashes per second or so.

when this was happening, i was on 64 miles till empty...filled it up yesterday and zero problems.

now with a 1/4 tank once it starts it ran fine but could there be a connection?

 

[joegr]

22 is not one of the PATS codes that normally comes up. I'll have to check the factory manual when I get home.
Low fuel might be related to the no start problem, but it would not cause the PATS light to act up.
If the problem happens again, and the light starts flashing rapidly, just leave the key on, and after a brief delay, it will start flashing out a two digit code. Write it down when it does. It will probably be 1.3, 1.4, or 1.6.

 

[Outkast]

i will check next time it happens
thanks

 

[LSblack00]

Any resolution to this?

My 2000 LS V8 just started showing CHECK ADVANCETRAK, followed by GEAR SELECT DATA ERROR. The car cranks and wont start right away, but after a few minutes, it starts just fine.
It doesnt happen every time I start the car, but it happened once a few days ago,twice yesterday and again today.
I've read about turning the key over, or using a different key (which I dont have) and checking the blinking PATS light for a code, but did anyone find a definitive answer to what causes this problem?

 

[Outkast]

not yet...I just deal with it. it seems to only do it when im below 1/4 tank. it has done it with more fuel before but almost always does it when at 1/4 or less. I really think its the key but right now I think im having coil issues so i kind of put this one to the side for now.

 

[LSblack00]

not yet...I just deal with it. it seems to only do it when im below 1/4 tank. it has done it with more fuel before but almost always does it when at 1/4 or less. I really think its the key but right now I think im having coil issues so i kind of put this one to the side for now.

Happened the other day when I got in the car after filling up, so I'm not sure if its a fuel-level issue.

What I have noticed throughout today:

1. The red light on the dash (PATS) blinks repeatedly, no pauses. Counted well over 20 blinks and it just kept going...
2. Putting in the key one specific way does not seem to make a difference.
3. When I put the key in and turn it to the ON position, if the advancetrak and data error messages come up, it wont turn over. Instead, I remove the key and reinsert it until the messages go away.

Not sure at this point if its the key, or something electrical.
I will wait a few more day, see if the problem persists or if someone on here can provide some info. I'm almost positive if I go to the dealership, they will say they cannot 'duplicate the error'.

 

[Outkast]

yes, I have left the key on when this happens and the pats light will keep flashing....up to five minutes anyway...it happenes when im full also...just its almost every time (9 out of 10 times) when im below a 1/4 it does it.

my car turns over when this happens...just cranks and cranks and wont fire...you say yours wont turn over.

ive tried flipping the key..wiggling the key...jacking with the shifter, turning the steering wheel, and replacing the battery all to no avail.

 

[Outkast]

im no mechanic but i'd bet half my paycheck its either the key, or the ignition switch not recognizing the code for the security system....

also mine says check traction control not advanctrac. mine is a 2000 also

 

[97stscaddy]

AdvanceTrac is just a more advanced type of Traction Control. The LS could have either one as an option.

The PAT system prevents the engine from starting if the Key isn't recognized. It will still crank (turn over) but it won't fire. You're gonna have to take it to a dealer to have that system diagnosed.

 

[cammerfe]

I'm back inside the house after having this same problem. However, it's not an ordinary ignition problem because I have a random cylinder fire while cranking---but not enough cylinders to initiate engine running. Since the car was new, (122+K miles now) I've very occasionally had to turn the key the second time to get engine to start. It's been more prevalent recently, but this is the first time it just would not start. I have the battery charger on it now. More later!
KS

<edit>Now 45 minutes later. I tried long enough in the first place to run the battery down (red-top Optima). I got it running this time, and now it starts immediately. It acted as if it were flooded; I had to floor the pedal. Please note that this did no good the first time. I do wonder if there is a bad injector leaking down sometimes, and creating this problem. ????????????

Comments and suggestions welcome!
KS

<edit 2> I didn't mention that during the first session, the instruments were going wild---needles going back and forth. The fuel pressure was fluttering between 20 and 40. Very frustrating. KS

<edit 3> I've played with the car, of and on, all day now. Friends on another forum suggested that the dials jumping around are indicative of low voltage. I therefore switched the Optima red top for the original battery. I've had it setting on the floor for a year now and my VOM says 12.75. I'm going to leave it on the trickle charger over night. I've also re-flashed the computer using my SCT. The only trouble code had to do with the cruise control.

I'll post again in a couple of days.

KS

 

[LSblack00]

Can't say I've had any needles jumping up and down or even the random cylinder firing.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have been turning the key to the on position, waiting to see if the error message comes up or the PATS light flashes, and so far it hasnt done it at all.
I might go later this week to autozone and have them test the battery to make sure that's not the issue.

 

[cammerfe]

Last post today---9:56 PM Went out and tried to start the car. Original battery is sick; after a few seconds, my VOM said 9.65 volts. Re-placed the Optima. I may have to go buy a battery. Later!
KS