HSV GTS VT2 sometimes not starting...

[hsv_sc]

Hi all..

Am new here, hope someone will know the answer to this:

On thursday, car started fine, this is what happened yesterday when I
tried to start the car yesterday:

Pump primes and starter spins fine on the first try, engine did not
catch before starter cuts
On next try, no pump/starter
On next try, pump primes and starter spins, engine almost catches
before starter cuts
On next few tries, no pump/starter
On next try, pump primes and starter spins, engine did not catch
before starter cuts
After this, no pump or starter no matter what I did, including
swapping keys and disconnecting battery

If I leave the ignition on position 2 for 10 secs while still
immobilised, I get 3 ascending beeps from behind the dash and the
airbag light comes on... though I assume this is a result of the
immobiliser being active.

This has been happening on and off for the last month.

The previous owner never had this problem, but used the car every day
without exception and this may be why.

I'm hoping the problem is immobiliser related (i.e. to do with the
key decoder on the ignition barrel).

I've read that the key decoder can develop a fault on VT's and it's quite common?

The keys are 8 years old, maybe I should replace them too?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks, hsv_sc.

[accentstencil]

If the security light in the mode switch is flashing when you are trying to start it, that means the immobilzer is on. If that is happening, then I would say it is probably the key reader or the immobilizer. I doubt it will be a problem with the key since both your keys don't work. When this happened to me it turned out I needed a new BCM (body control module). The best thing to do is to take it to Holden to get checked out because if it is you BCM you will need to take it to Holden anyway to have your replacement BCM linked to your computer.

[hsv_sc]

thanks for the info..

the immobiliser light does switch off when i press unlock and insert the key.

problem is i'm in UK, if i have to take it to vauxhall, there's a good chance the're not going to know what the're doing.

[BlackVXGTS]

A little information for you on the immobiliser. It explains why your car can crank and almost start. I would suggest that the first step for you would be to replace one of your remotes to see if that fixes the problem. Eight years is getting towards the end of life for a remote.

SYSTEM OPERATION When enabled, there are two modes of theft deterrent operation, armed and disarmed.

Armed
Once the theft deterrent system is enabled, it can be manually armed in one of two ways: Actively, by pressing the lock button on the remote coded key or, Passively, as the BCM will automatically arm 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off. When the system is armed, the start relay (located in the engine compartment relay housing) and the engine management system Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and on vehicles with GEN III V8 engines, Powertrain Interface Module (PIM) are disabled, preventing the engine from being started.

Disarmed
With the system disarmed and the PCM/PIM enabled, the engine will be allowed to be started when the ignition switch is turned to the run position. The theft deterrent system can be disarmed in two ways:
1. Pressing the unlock button on the remote coded key. This unlocks the doors, turns the interior dome lamp on and fully disarms the system for 30 seconds or,
2. By inserting the remote coded key into the ignition switch key barrel and turning the ignition to the ON or RUN position. This causes the BCM to read a security code serial data output from the remote coded key contact pin via the remote coded key reader assembly.
NOTE 1: Both the V6 and V8 systems will allow upto one second crank if the code is invalid. In most cases this results in the engine starting for a short period but dies after two – three seconds. (Under normal conditions, this allows for fuel priming and reduces start delays while the security message is being validated). Engine crank is then disabled until the next ignition cycle (key off – on).
NOTE 2: Should the engine crank briefly when the ignition switch is turned to the START position (ie. due to mis-aligned or a faulty remote coded key reader) then pressing the unlock button on the remote coded key will also disarm the theft deterrent system.

[BlackVXGTS]

Some more info, particularly the NOTE at the end:

GEN III V8 Engine
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the BCM polls the PIM and sends an encrypted BCM/Key security code (The security code is received via the BCM slip ring or remote receiver in the event of no slip ring communication). The PIM compares the received security code with it’s stored security code and if the codes match, the PIM will continue enabling engine cranking and send a separate encrypted security code to the PCM. The PCM compares this code with its stored security code and if the codes match, the PCM will enable injector fuelling to continue. The PIM will return an OK TO START message, which tells the BCM to jump from SHORT LOOP mode to the LONG LOOP mode.

NOTE: Regardless of the engine configuration, it is very important that the remote coded key reader is aligned correctly with the ignition lock assembly, or misalignment with the remote coded key contact may occur resulting in intermittent or no engine cranking or starting.