Had a little problem with my car this morning. Stopped at the Quicky-Mart and picked up lunch. Started the car to continue driving to work. After about 15 seconds, the car died. Turn the key and I get nothing. No warning lights, no buzzers, no starter/solenoid sounds.
Let it sit for a couple minutes and I had a buzzer, but still no warning lights, no starter/solenoid sounds.
Headlights work fine. I have 12 volts into and out of the main fuse.
Any ideas?


I'm at work so I can't sit around and weed through the search results. I'm going to go back to the car at lunch. And probably tonight as well.
If anyone has had this problem before, I'd would really love some input.
Thanks-
Tony
Opelbits

 

If the headlights shine bright, but you only get a slight buzzz, turn the key to START and see if the headlights go dim or not.


If they stay bright, and no starting aciton, you might have a ignition switch problem. First go to the fuse box in the engine compartment. Follow the elect harness from the fuse box for about four to six inches. There you find a single black connector. Unplug and replug it and try the starting again.

If the lights dim when trying to start, check your positive and negative leads on the battery.

 

Hailers-
Well, I went back to the car tonight. Still the same symptoms. I studied the FSM wiring diagrams. Based on the accessories that worked (headlights and ignition key reminder buzzer) and the ones that didn't (everything else) I was pretty sure the problem was somewhere in the wiring going to the ignition switch or the switch itself. The 'main fuse' (80a) looked good but a little toasted. Not blown, just darkened. The other fuses were nice and shiny. Checked the lugs and there was 12 volts at all three. Replaced the fuse because of how it looked.
Took a look at that connector you mentioned. It was old, brittle, looked slightly 'fried' and the terminals were corroded. Disconnected it and cleaned them. Reconnected it.
Car started very nicely. I think I need to replace the connector and a little wire.
Also, the + lead off the alternator is looking 'cooked' and is very stiff/brittle. Might explain some charging issues. Probably need to replace it as well.
Just wanted to say thanks- your insight was exactly what I needed. Took me about 15 minutes to do all of that. And I drove it back home.

 

my car does the same thing but it starts and the buzzer stays on though.. then the one day no start but the buzzer is there.. i will go check what you mentioned now and get back to you guys.. hope thats all it is..
Dave

 

well that wasnt it the main starter wire was loose so i tightened it to no avail.. i get a click everytime i hit the key but the starter aint turning.. guess its time for a new starter..
Dave