mikefcs wrote:
Thanks for all the info. The car died while it was being driven and had happened a couple times before but always restarted. This time, not. Don't think it is the starter but a good place to look first. A Chevy site had a similar topic and there was discussion on the BCM module being lose in a holder and moves around causing bad connections sometimes. I talked to a Buick dealer and they said the security system operation is in the BCM. Beyond that they would only say, "bring it on in (cha-ching)". Will have to try and find the BCM and make sure it is secured and has no lose or corroded connections. Measured the key and it was 2.99 K ohms, with the wire to the BCM I would guess it is looking for a 3K value. Will try doing the resister at the wire harness if all else fails. Would make a termination plug with the resister so no cutting and can be easily reversed. Don't need "security" on a 93 anyway.If anyone knows where the BCM is that would help or I can call my helpful (not) Buick dealer again. |
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Car dies while driving === NOT a Passkey problem.
The system is designed to only inhibit the car from getting up and running.
If any failure occurs after the car is already running, simply turns the SECURITY light on steady, and the car keeps running. The system is in what they call "fail-enable" mode.
You could, for example, start the engine with the key, keep the car running, go under the dash, cut out the VATS wires, and throw them in the garbage.
The SECURITY light would come on steady, but the car would keep running. You could even shut the car back off and start it up again, as many times as you want.
The light would stay on whenever the car is running, until you replace the wires. The car has no more anti-theft protection, but it's still 100% reliable.
They design the system this way on purpose, so that system failure won't leave the customer stranded at the roadside.
So, moving on, the problem isn't the car's VATS, but rather, something else.
At this point, maybe an auto-mechanics forum would be of more help to you than we can be.
But, next time it dies...........well, in short, it's either getting no spark or no fuel.
Next time it dies on you, it would be good to test for fuel and spark.
You can test for spark by connecting one of the spark plug wires to a screwdriver, position the screwdriver close (but not touching) body metal, and crank the starter and see if you see a spark. Probably a Google search will give you better details on how to do this.
For fuel, there are two possible easy ideas:
1. Carry a can of starter fluid or carburetor cleaner with you in the car. When you get stuck, shoot a little fluid into the air intake, and try to start the car. If the car runs for a couple of seconds from the vapors, but then dies again, you can be reasonably sure it's not getting fuel.
2. Buy a fuel pressuer tester, and keep it in the car with you. They're only about $30 for a cheapie one. Next time the car dies on you, use the tester to test for fuel pressure. (Practice using the tester first, while the car runs OK.)
After that, at least you've got it narrowed down..........whether you choose to continue to troubleshoot it yourself or hire a mechanic, at least you know what area to look in.