1996 vs commodore v6 will not start

[st3ev]

ok heres my problem if someone has had this problem and has fixed it please reply if not please don't...

sometimes when i try to start my commodore i will just start turning over but will not fire up if it starts the engine light stays on until i turn off the car and turn it back on.. if ther car starts and i turn it off i can start the car straight away with no problems.....i've replaced battery, coil wire, leads & starters... i live about 3 hours from my nearest holden dealer so i need to know if anyone has fixed this problem beforehand or knows of how somebody else fixed it can you please post as the problem is very very inconvenient

ty very much

[greenacc]

have you checked error codes?

[st3ev]

umm no, i have bin advised to get new keyheads coded in but it happens with both of my keys

[greenacc]

doubt its the keys.
do you know how to check error codes ? all u need is a paper clip

[st3ev]

i don't know how...

[greenacc]

look in the how to section for checking error codes on a VS V6.
if the computer has detected a failing component it will give you a code number, which tells you where to start looking for the problem

[hako]

Here is the link to check the codes:
Checking error codes VR/VS (Revised)
post back with the codes that appear - as greenacc says, they'll point you and us in the right direction.

[st3ev]

it came up with 12

[greenacc]

thats weird. at least you now know how to check codes. so you let it go for a while and it kept flashin 12 12 12 12 12 12 ?
If the engine light stays on i expected there would be a code. First thing to do is check all the connections to sensors in the engine bay. make sure none have worked loose or are unplugged. Also check there is spark at the spark plugs while cranking. If you have fuel and spark it should start.

[st3ev]

because it only happens at random times and the engine light only appears at random times should i recheck the codes the next time it happens? or wouldnt it matter?

[greenacc]

yeah why not, keep your paperclip in the car and check again next time you have trouble.

[st3ev]

okay thanx man if any codes come up i'll post them if not thankyou anyways

[st3ev]

okay drove home from work today with the engine light on so i re checked the codes came up with 31 this time

[OzJD]

31 - Theft deterrent signal missing.
is your Key battery dying?

[RacerVS]

I have a similar problem .
First start in the morning I turn the key and nothing happens .
Slide the auto stick into neutral and it starts .
After work around 3:30 pm - I have to press the unlock doors button on the key to get it to start and again in the neutral gear select position .
It always starts - but I don't think I should have to go through this process every time .
I'm thinking it's got something to do with the security module or the key battery is low on juice ?
What are your thoughts on this problem guys ?

[st3ev]

yea i have a manual but holding the unlock button helps sometimes..

[RacerVS]

I've done a forum search
It seems most likely my problem is the low level battery in the key fob .
Or a problem with the security system and the ignition key contacts .
Not sure - but it's starting to drive me nuts trying to sort it out !

[OzJD]

THEFT DETERRENT SIGNAL

To Test - Code 31
When the ignition is switched On, the ECU sends a signal to the BCM (body control module) or the TDM (theft deterrent module) to confirm that the correct ignition key has been used. When the BCM or TDM receives this signal, it permits operation of the starter motor and returns a signal to the ECU allowing operation of the fuel injectors.
The ECU will set code 31 if the BCM or TDM does not return a signal to the ECU to permit operation of the injectors. If the BCM or TDM does not receive a signal from the ECU when the the ignition is switched On, there will be a one second delay in operation of the starter motor after the ignition key is moved to the start position.
(1) Clear the fault code as previously described
(2) Attempt to start the vehicle. If there is a one second delay before the starter motor operates, proceed to operation (3)
If the starter motor operates as soon as the ignition key is moved to the Start position, an intermittent fault is indicated. Check all wiring and connections between the ECU connector terminal A8 (M/T), or teminal C11 (A/T) and the TDM or BCM.
(3) Switch the ignition On and check that there is 4-6 volts at the diagnosis connector terminal 9
(4) If 4-6 volts is not available, check the wiring between the diagnosis connector, the ECU connector terminal A8 (M/T), or terminal C11 (A/T) and the TDM or BCM for a short to earth or an open circuit. If no fault can be found with the wiring, renew the ECU.
(5) If 4-6 volts is available, a fault in the theft deterrent system is indicated. Refer the vehicle to an authorised dealer.

[RacerVS]

Thanks Mate ,
Sound like a job for the local Stealer
Cheers .

[OzJD]

Can you let me know how you go? I've got the same code at the moment

[alex2_s]

My starter motor sometimes takes that 1 second to activate after turning to start, (but the starter sounds fine).... BUT no fault codes logged at all....

what does this normally point to, a starter motor starting to wear out?

[nickwontlose]

yeh i had exact same problem, was starter motor

[LthlThrt]

mayb it could be the battery terminals i had this prob this morning i just pulled off da pos and neg cleaned em up a bit replaced and she roared back to life wen i tried it again


but i hav a 99 vt so mite by diff but same engine type tho

[st3ev]

okay so i got home from work and grabbed some things went to my car to start it after about 5 minutes and it wouldn't start so i put the old paper clip in and a new code showed up.. 46 - Code 46 - No Reference Signals while cranking

[trygve]

i'm very new to this forum thing, so excuse me if I haven't replied correctly.
My VS v6 has no security light flashing, returns code 31, and does zip when turned to start. I have replaced the BCM and keyhead no difference at all. Neither central or remote locking is working. I have 1 volt at terminal 9. i would check the various terminals but where do you get a reasonable picture or diagram that tells you where they are located! my haynes is absolute rubbish!! Leaving it turned on for an hour also doesn't work?