[Cadillac-Sam]

Hi there,

my STS (2005) had always a problem when starting it:
After driving, leaving and locking the car without touching ANY button or knob
it will crank and start the next time.
BUT if you turn off the engine and touch ANY radio or window buttons for example,
the car will not start again. Sometimes when locking it and leaving it for some minutes,
but not always. The display shows different messages, like "check oil level" or "check steering column lock" etc.
And nothing happens when pushing start button.
So you have to disconnect battery ground for about 10 seconds, put it back on and
it will crank and start.
Nobody at the GM stores was able to find an error, tried different software updates on all
systems without success.
So I live with this issue for some years now rather fine and if I don't forget the rules, it starts up every time.

Until last Thursday:
Got in the car, tried to start the engine, but when I pushed start all the display and interior went
out and comes back after 5 seconds. It stands in my garage, so it lights up the xenon headlamps.
Reloaded battery - no success. Bought a new battery - no success.
Still the same problem.

Can't even get it to a shop, cause it's in P and I can't pull it into N...

Any help or suggestions?

Regards,
Sammy

 

[Ludacrisvp]

Hold down the "off/aux" button on the start button for about 10 seconds and the car will be put in 'run' mode without attempting to start the engine ... this will allow you to shift from P to N.

 

[Frnkbooth]

Check to make sure the main power cable entering the fuse box under the hood is tight. The bolt can come loose and cause many strange low power issues. It is tight enough to run many things but cannot pass enough current to run the starter.

 

[Cadillac-Sam]

Thanks. I'll try that. Found an interesting clip on Youtube, jumping the starter relay. Is this a method to use or better not?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y2CtfZJtOM

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So maybe I can check if my starter is still working...

 

[Frnkbooth]

Jumping the starter relay might confirm you have enough current to crank the engine. Always look for simple first. If it goes beyond a loose cable or bad relay, it need to go to the shop. Even if you have to pull it out of the garage.

 

[Cadillac-Sam]

So you think I should try jumping the starter relay? Nothing can happen?

 

[happydays]

hello have you a repons ? i have identique problem in france ....

 

[dkozloski]

This thread is five years old. I doubt if they are still around.

 

[CWB]

Start a new thread Happy. People will be glad to help. First question someone will ask will be " What are the codes?" so go ahead and do that and include in your post. On second thought, the first question will be year, miles, model, engine, and recent history/ work on car - so do that also. Good Luck.