VS wouldn't start (once off)

[Mattimus]

Hey guys and gals, just recently bought a 96' VS commodore, 226xxx km, runs awesome.
Was talking to my mother last night and she told me that she had gone to start the car that day, and after turning the key all the way, the engine didn't turn over (didn't even make a sound apparently). I'm at my girlfriend's at the moment and wasn't there when this happened. She reckons that she took the other car out and when she got back roughly half an hour later, she tried to start it again and it started first go.

She had a read of the book and it said something like if you have the car running, and switch it off, then try to start it again within 30 seconds the engine will not start, however she hadn't had the car going before she attempted to start it the first time (only switched to accessories and then turned off (dunno why she'd even do that lol))

Anyway does anyone know why this would've happened? is there a problem with the car that needs to be sorted out?

Cheers guys, Matt.

[Daz750]

Could be the switch when in Park (Auto i'm assuming) or the ignition barrel. Have had similar experiences in a 95 VS.

[Brett_jjj]

When this happens move the gear selector a bit,it might be a faulty inhibitor switch ,if it starts when the shift is moved then thats what the trouble is.Also the ignition key itself could have a flat battery or bad connection where it touches the metal ring around the ingition switch.

[Mattimus]

Oh and she did mention moving the gear selector around, so it wasn't that.
Hmm the key is sorta worn out, pity we only have 1 of them so we can't try using another. Probably should try buying a second perhaps?

Cheers, Matt.

[hako]

The other trick is to press the unlock button whilst the key is in the ignition.

[GetToDaChopa]

So it wouldn't be a flat battery then? maybe try and jump start it if it's not getting any lights on it when you turn the key.

[Brett_jjj]

So, when you turn your key to on where the reds are lit up on the dash,theres nothing at all?No lights, no guages working etc.?

[Mattimus]

So it wouldn't be a flat battery then? maybe try and jump start it if it's not getting any lights on it when you turn the key.

She reckons a couple of red lights came on the dash when she turned the key, just no noises from the engine at all. It's been started plenty of times since, so chances of it being a flat battery are fairly minimal?

Cheers, Matt

[Brett_jjj]

I dont think it is the car battery,I was saying before it could be the battery inside the key head,(the black plastic piece)and you could need a new one.Theres a little button cell type battery inside them and when they go flat, usually after a couple of years,they can cause similar problems to what you're having.It powers a chip that sends a signal to the cars computer to let it start,its part of the vehicle's VATS(Vehicle Anti Theft System).When it doesn't get this signal, and you turn the key it does nothing,just like trying to start it in drive or reverse.

[Vee-ard]

Agree with above post, my car does this from time to time because of a worn metal ring around the ignition barrel, this is the ring that contacts with the little metal nob on the keyhead to release the immobiliser in cars that do not have central locking. If you were to check error codes, I guarantee you that you would find "error 31 - theft deterrent signal missing" from this time you tried to start the car and it didnt make proper contact.

[theperthvan]

Happens on mine too.
It's just the immobilizer.
Take the key out and put it in again and hold it all the way around for a few seconds.

[Brett]

I agree with the above post, your mum probably jumped in the car put the key in the ignition and did something else for afew minutes. And went to start it and it didn't start, my ute does it all the time. When it happens take the key out, press lock/unlock button and try to start it again. It's just apart of the security system, don't stress about it dude.

[Mattimus]

Thanks for all the replies guys the car hasn't done it again since anyway so like you have all said, nothing to worry about.

Cheers, Matt

[vs_igby]

yes i agree too that this is the immobilizer, like someone else said its the metal ring on the barrel and the metal dome on your key which sends this signal. Sometimes just cleaning them both up can help alot, they can build up muck after 12 or 13 years

[waffles666]

About 1 out of 20 times i go to start the car nothing happens, try wiggling the gear selector the next time it happens with the key turned all the way if it starts no probs then its just a faulty inhibitor switch meant to stop you starting in drive/reverse.

[Maxxiz]

Sounds like what happens when its in Drive.
Otherwise probably the immobliser componant of the key. Open it up and have a prowl around. I wrote up a how-to, check it out.

[fkford]

dno if someone has said this but cbf reading.. it could be the immobiliser sensor on your key..if your keys battered