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1996 Oldsmobile Achieva no start

Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,236 MILES
Similar to a question listed. Turn key on no display for instruments no test nothing also headlights don't come on. Will start and run for 2 sec then dies. Replaced key switch, worked for about six tries -let run for a while, shut off, nothing worked the next day. Tried disconnecting battery for 5min and reconnected-nothing. Checked rest of electrical--fuel pump--heater fan, turnsignals, door chime, interior lights, power windows, radio, wipers. All work. Headlights were changed so they don't shut off with the switch (no day running light sensor seen)- used car- came that way. If it does turn on right I hear two relay clicks, none if it doesn't work. Problem has been for last 2 years(wait for lights to come on) then now totally quit I AM BUFFALOED and frustrated. Thanks
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Friday, June 11th, 2010 AT 9:22 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
This is a tough one. It almost sounds like the switch itself is bad or out of adjustment. Have you checked that?
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 1:28 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
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  • 10 POSTS
New switch went in only one way-everything that works off the key switch works -starter will run, motor runs 3 seconds then shuts off. When it works normally I hear 2 relay clicks when idiot lights come on. Could there be a problem with the relays and where are they
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Does the vehicle have a factory alarm? Is the security light staying on?

As far as the relays, there is a relay block under the hood.
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
No alarm system, light? Dash idiot lights don't light where might the relay be as the "car "was built around the motor ( a pox on engineers)
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 11:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
It isn't easy to work on them. No room! As far as the relays, there is a relay block under the hood and I believe there are relays behind the glove box. Which specific relay are you looking for?
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Sorry about the delay didn't get an alert. I don't know which relays just know I hear 2 clicks when dash lights came on. I presume it would be ones that feed the computer/power train module as things run by this are the ones not working. Didn't know where to look for the module
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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 1:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Check under the hood for a power distribution box. It should list (the lid) what each relay is for. Also, see if you can tell which is clicking. Also, make sure the wiring harness to the PCM is tight and not corroded.
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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Will do. The problem is it only clicks when it works. Where is the pcm located in this 'wonderful' machine?
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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It's behind the dash on the passanger side.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
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  • 10 POSTS
Will try this hope it works thank you
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I do too. Let me know the outcome. Infact, when you remove the old PCM, check in the area if there is anyone who can check it for you.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Sorry about the delay-(shade tree mech-no tree) checked the pcm. Only have general wiring diagram- haynes. Wiring shows 2 power colors- followed them on the connector block have 3 pink wires power on all- 2 orange wires have power on connector #20 and no power on #56. Checked all fuses labeled pcm- 2 fusible links found none colored to pcm only fan relay and heat blower. Didn't see any relays behind glove box. Local dealer charges $$$$ to check pcm can't afford, guess will have to junk it.
Thanks for the advice and help
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Sunday, August 1st, 2010 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Don't junk it yet. Have you called any of the local nationally recognized parts stores to see if they can check it. Many provide services like this for free.
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Sunday, August 1st, 2010 AT 10:27 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
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  • 10 POSTS
Had not thought of that, will try. Wish this heat would ease off 100 in the shade porch
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Monday, August 2nd, 2010 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 12:57 AM
Tiny
MLCOMPOUND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Was there ever a solution to this problem? I am experiencing the exact same symptoms and need some help. Thanks.
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Sunday, February 13th, 2011 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I haven't heard from the customer. He should receive our conversation via his email and hopefully reply.
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Monday, February 14th, 2011 AT 12:15 AM
Tiny
BIGDADDIE47
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Sorry I didn't post. No one around here does anything with computers except read codes and clear codes. Chevy dealer could run diagnostics for $$$$ but it had to be in the car and the motor had to be running. Guess he had peanutbutter in his ears. Sold car to someone who needed a motor(put computer back). Damnedest thing happened when he picked up car I hooked up a battery to release the shift to neutral and the dash lights came on! Turned key-- it started! So drove it on the ramp. Guy did realize I was SURPRISED. Sorry It wasn't solved. Did appreciate tips to aim my brain. LIVE WELL Joe
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 AT 4:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Honestly! It sounds like you have the same luck as I do. If it was mine, the guy would most likely drive it another 100K before having any other trouble.
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 AT 5:01 AM

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