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1995 firebird formula won't start or do anything when I hit

Sent to Car Experts June 15 2006 at 5:22 PM
   

I have a 1995 Firebird formula lt1 auto with 140k. I have replaced the starter/solenoid, ignition key/tumbler/ & switch. The battery is good and I have headlights and interior lights but nothing else. When I turn the key nothing happens and no dash lights/stereo/power windows at all. Nothing happens when you turn the key. I have checked all the connections/fuses/resistors/wiring and I can't figure it out. I can do just about anything with a car but fix this issue. Please help my baby, Thanks!

 

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1995 Pontiac Firebird Lt1

Already Tried:
Everything except replace the computer!/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $50
Answer
June 15 2006 at 6:07 PM (45 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Have you checked the ignition switch. I can not find a wiring diagram but that sound as if it could be the problem
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Telles -- Auto Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 65 Car Accepts
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June 15 2006 at 8:56 PM (2 hours and 48 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Check 15 amp fuse #5, this is the PCM ignition fuse. Then check 10 amp fuse #11, this is the Ignition fuse (located in under-hood electrical center).. Try checking your theft deterrent relay and module - or bypass it to see if this is the problem. Have you already checked for power at the starter, and your grounds? I have a feeling your problem will be with the theft deterrent module or relay since you don't have dash lights, stereo, windows, etc... I haven't had to replace one yet but I've heard they're spendy and you can only get them at the dealerships. So, your options are either permenantly bypass it, or fork out the cash for a new one.

I was able to find the wiring diagrams for your vehicle on the www.autozone.com website, check it out. If you still need help, send me a reply back.



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James -- Helicopter mechanic -- 92% Positive Feedback on 42 Car Accepts
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Answer
June 16 2006 at 12:53 AM (3 hours and 56 minutes and 47 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

The ignition switch is not powered by a fuse at all. It's power by a fusable link.

You will find the links over the right wheel well as seen in the diagram. Pull on each one to see if any of them stretch indicatng a bad link. They allso have a problem withh battery cables where they connect to the distribution centers.

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Since you are getting no power to the ignition switch at ths point, your not having a theft deterrent problem yet but since you replaced the ignition key and tumbler, I suspect you will have one once you get the power situation resolved. If you start getting a flashing security light at that point then you can either put the old lock back in or I can give you a way to bypass the sensor in the lock to resolve the security issue at that point.

Here is your wiring diagram in 2 parts.

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2720 Car Accepts
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Reply
June 16 2006 at 2:41 AM (1 hour and 47 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
Reply to Telles's Post: I replaced the ignition switch, key, tumbler, and just about everything I could think of except the computer. Thanks for your reply!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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June 16 2006 at 2:53 AM (11 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: I will look into your suggestion as soon as I can. I have replaced all the wiring under the hood but will double check. Thanks for your reply and the diagrams and I will get back to you asap.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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June 16 2006 at 2:56 AM (3 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
Reply to James's Post: For some reason my reply to this post didn't show up. But anyways, your suggestion to replace the deterrant relay module is the only thing i haven't tried other than computer replacement. I will look into this and get back to you. Thanks for your reply.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 16 2006 at 12:16 PM (9 hours and 20 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The computer has nothing to do with cranking and if the dash isn't lighting up, you have no power coming out of the ignition switch so the theft deterrent is not the problem at the moment. You need dash lights first.

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2720 Car Accepts
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June 16 2006 at 5:46 PM (5 hours and 30 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: This is something I am looking into also. When I find out which is correct then I will have the answer. I had a similar issue with a 1994 firebird but that was the RAD sensor where nothing worked but in that case the car ran just had nothing otherwise. I will look into each suggestion and the right answer will win. Thanks for your reply!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 17 2006 at 12:39 AM (6 hours and 52 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
If you get the power supply problem resolved first, you may then have a problem with the theft deterrent, but that will be because you changed the ignition lock. You'll see a flashing security light if that's the case. Putting the old lock bac in will resolve that issue.

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2720 Car Accepts
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June 17 2006 at 4:19 AM (3 hours and 40 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
Hi all thanks for your answers. I just wanted to keep you in the loop that I have ordered a new theft deterrent module. I haven't had time to trace the wiring but will keep you informed what the resolution is so someone gets paid. Sorry I didn't realize the question closes if there is 24 hours of no activity. I will pay the appropriate person when my situation is resolved. The part should be in Friday or Monday. Thanks again!

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on June 18 2006 at 5:01 AM
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 19 2006 at 3:52 PM (2 days and 11 hours later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hi again Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Looks like there is also a fusible link between the battery junction box and the ignition switch. It would be a 16 Gauge, rust colored.. Both ends of the wire it's on would be red. I believe Hammer Time to be correct as to the lights not working would not be the theft deterrent module. I appologize for this error, and not having enough time to keep up with your question. But, your theft detterent module or relay could be the problem if all those fuses I mentioned are good, and wiring is good. You just may have another problem to fix for your lights/windows/stereo. See if you can find that fusible link, I believe this to be the cause of all your problems (or bad (grounded / loose / broken / corroded) wiring). If you haven't used your theft detterent module, and do find the fusible link to be at fault, you may be able to return it as long as it wasn't installed or packaging opened.

-James



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James -- Helicopter mechanic -- 92% Positive Feedback on 42 Car Accepts
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Answer
June 19 2006 at 3:59 PM (7 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Don't waste your money on a theft deterrent module. If you not lighting up the dash, your ignition switch isn't even working. It hasn't reached the theft deterrent yet. Find the fusable link that powers the ignition switch so that circuit starts working. Once you get the ignition switch working, then and only then will you know if there is a problem with theft deterrent. As I told you before, you will probably have a theft deterrent problem, but that will be due to you changing the key for no reason. You will have to either re-code the module or just put the old lock back in at that point but don't waste your time and money on that stuff if your ignition switch isn't powering anything up.

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2720 Car Accepts
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June 19 2006 at 6:08 PM (2 hours and 8 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
Reply to James's Post: Thanks James I appreciate your info. See my reply to Hammer Time for details.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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June 19 2006 at 6:16 PM (8 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: Thanks Hammer Time, you are probably right, I am having difficulty thinking logically becuase I am going through a seperation and most likely divorce at the moment and this car is the only thing she's not taking. I haven't had a chance to look into the wiring closer (everyone told me to take it to the dealer but the courts are going to get all my additional funds). I did order the theft module and it most likely isnt the case but I figured might as well (Autozone $50). On top of everything else my wife's (future ex) 3000gt has motor oil in the transmission (god knows how?) and the AC in the 'family' durango died. Oh well..

Thanks again everyone and thanks for letting me vent! I will keep you informed (on the car that is).
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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