I have a problem which I hope is not unique. After I drive my 1994 Cadillac Deville and shut-off the engine it takes a few seconds to restart it. It sounds like a bad battery or low voltage because it has a hard time trying to turn the starter. After holding the key to on for a few seconds (approx 5) it finally starts. At other times it doesn't start until after the car cools off and is sitting for 1/2 hour. I replaced the battery with a new interstate battery. I replaced the starter to a high quality (w/ lifetime warranty). I cleaned the battery cables - but could it be that the cables are bad, corroded, etc? Or is there something else going on? I have a check engine code: P091 (E091) .................. PRNDL Switch Problem (transaxle range switch problem). Could this be a part of the problem or is it reading bad because of a bad connection with the battery? I may clear the codes and see if it reappears. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Which engine is in your car?

Was this problem the same before you installed the starter?

Yes, it could be this. But it could be something else.

 

1. exactly what happens for those 5 seconds? absolute silence?
2. exactly what does it do in the 1/2 hr it sits and cools off? dead like in a silent coma, or
shaking like a seizure, or slow motion like turtle ... you get the point?
3. when you turn on the key, dash lights do what?
4. do you understand the difference between a START and a CRANK?

very NOT clear!
the only thing that is clear is that is not going down the road, but i cant tell why.








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During the 5 seconds the car tries to start, dash fades, flickers, and a noise like the battery is dying. In the half hour it sits it is dead as a doornail. Nothing cranks on, no lights, no dash display, no starter, nothing! When I turn the key the dash goes blank and then if I turn the key back the dash will light up.

 

Sounds like a bad connection.

 

i agree. that is a though one, a real though one, but fixable.

the solution probably lies within this:
https://www.cadillacforum.com/m_6068/tm.htm

in the FAQ section:
Cadillac GM e-ghosts electric problems