98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Well I am new to the forum as I just picked up my 98 Deville a few weeks ago for a commuter car. BUT it is already out of commision.

I was having problems with the battery staying charged so I took it into the shop and got a new alternator and battery. Seemed to work fine for a week or two, but then it started flashing "theft system problem. . .car may not restart". After that flashed the speedometer would start going crazy and flashing random numbers for my speed. However the car would always restart and I thought it was just a glitch in the computer system. UNTIL the other day I went to start my car and nothing happened. I figured I left lights on or something, but even when I try to jump the car it will not jump. Also I cannot hear the starter clicking, but I didnt think it was the starter because the repair shop checked it when they replaced the battery and alternator. Is there any other explaination for this? Or is it definitely the starter? I just dont want to have to remove the starter to find out it was something else. Oh and battery and alternator are in fact good. Anyone seen this problem and have any insight? Thanks in advance!

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Do you have a second key? Try it.Could be a bad ground though.

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Nope no 2nd key. . . why do you think it is the key?

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

And wouldnt I still here the starter click even if it was a bad ground?

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

You stated you had theft deterent message come up on dic. Theft deterent system will dissable starter among other things. This may be the cause of your concern. If security light does not go out after about 10 sec.after turning key,that what would has looked at. Another possible cause is the ground cable is loose where it attaches to block. Hope it helps

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Oh ok where is the security light and I will go check that now. . . I hope it is a bad ground and not the starter [:@]

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Security light is on cluster.Battery cable attaches to stud on front head. Hope it helps

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

That little pellet in the key is a resistor that the security system reads when you put it in the ignition. If it is worn out it may not produce the proper resistence so the system will think someone is stealing the car then do what slowroll says, disable the starter etc...

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

The key is fine because the security light went off a few seconds after I turned the key to the ON postition. . . I am going to try and see if it is a grounding problem. Could someone be my hero and help me out with what I need to do? Thanks you guys have been a great help!

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

I am going to suggest disconnection the ground at the battery for a few minutes. While it is off, clean the terminal on the batterry and the lead, reconnect and try to start. Disconnection may reset memory in computer an allow car to start.

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

ok ill try that today thanks!

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

disconnected the positive cable from the battery for about 5 minutes, no change.

again, the security light is not on, just the DIS message as i stated in the first post. something i did not mention before is that the relays in the engine bay are clicking, but not the starter or solinoid. the DIS message does not flash untill after i try starting it; first try it acts as normal with no sign of a problem. DIS volt metter is showing 11.5-11.8 volts.

i have been told that it could be a ground somewhere in the engine(did not specify which one), bad lock cylinder, wire/s on the lock cylinder, or a code in the computer that needs to be cleared.

is there any way to troubleshoot this thing so that i dont start buying parts that i dont need. thanks

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

Normally we disconnect the ground not the positive. I am going to suggest again that you make sure the ground connection is clean and tight.

You can get the codes from the DIS. The link below has the procedure and list of codes for your car.

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/toc.html#cad

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

thanks it was actually the positive. . . cut it back and stripped it down and now it is working. . . definitely need to replace the entire cable in the somewhat near future because the entire cable seems to be a bit corroded. Battery is running a steady 13.6 now! Appreciate all the help!

RE: 98 Deville Wont Start!!!
 

[sm=signs007.gif]Another satisfied customer [sm=icon_cheers.gif] [sm=smiley20.gif]

Security System Problem Engine may not restart
 

Hi, im new to his forum and im hoping to get answers fast. I have a 98 Cadillac deville. ive owned it for a year now and have not had a single problem out of it. until recently my door was kicked out of alignment and i had to take door off and on to realign to get it to shut properly. after finally get it aligned right. i got in my car to start engine and the security system problem engine may not restart came on. also all doors was closed but the dash kept reading door ajar. is it possible that maybe i tore a wire in the wireing harness to the door and cause this security problem to pop up.

The door switches are wired into the security system so make sure all your connections are good and the switch is working, the front door lock cylinders are also equipped with switches to disarm the theft deterent system. when the lock cyinder is turned to unlock the door, the switch grounds the disarm input to the PZM (body control module). *thats right from the factory service manual*, good luck man !)