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1999 Pontiac Sunfire Cranks but won't start

Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 141,000 MILES
I have a 1999 Sunfire that had a bad head gasket. The last time I tried to start the car to get it into my garage it cranked and cranked but would not start and then it stopped cranking and would not do anything. I was afraid the engine locked up but it did not. I pushed the car into my garage and replaced the head gasket and did a tune up on it. I checked the starter and replaced the started relay. Turn the ignition on, fuel pump runs and I have power at the starter. Still will not crank. Battery is good also. I can turn the ignition on, jump the starter out and the car starts and runs beautifully. Any idea's. Is there a fusible link that could of fried?
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 3:35 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi ronald. Nadeau, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

I can turn the ignition on, jump the starter out and the car starts and runs beautifully

Check and test the transmission range switch and ignition switch-let me know
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 3:41 PM
Tiny
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Are you talking about the neutral switch
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
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Do you have a wiring diagram for the starting system?
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
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Neutral safety switch/transmission range switch/park and neutral switch are all the same thing just different names


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_s1_69.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_s2_61.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_s3_12.jpg

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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 4:04 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
I am not getting no power to the neutral switch (yellow wire) when the ignition is turned to start.
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
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If the ignition fuse is okay-you have a bad ignition switch or that yellow wire is open to the Ig switch
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Going to pick up a switch tomorrow if the auto store carrys one. If not have to order it. I found where it was located
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
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Keep me posted
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Was there a recall on the ignition switch for this vehicle? Where can I check?
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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Recalls on it-


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_recall_1.jpg

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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Well I bought and installed the new switch. Found out it was not the switch but the ignition lock cylinder itself. Is there a procedure that I need to follow to program a new cylinder with new keys? The kit looks like this


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/581741_cs516l_full_2.jpg



Is this something that I can do myself?
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
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Ignition Lock Cylinder - Revised Replacement Procedure

File In Section: 02 - Steering
Bulletin No: 01-02-35-010
Date: November, 2001
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE
Subject:
Revised Lock Cylinder Replacement
Models:
1995-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
1995-2001 Pontiac Sunfire
This bulletin is being issued to revise the Lock Cylinder Replacement procedure in the Steering Wheel and Column sub-section of the Service Manual. Please replace the current information in the Service Manual with the following information.
The following information has been updated within SI2000. If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.
The following information was omitted from the Service Manual:
If you replace the ignition lock cylinder, the system will enter the long tamper mode. If the system enters the long tamper mode, ensure that the system completes a long tamper mode cycle. During the long tamper mode cycle, the THEFT indicator will flash for the full 10 minutes. The instrument cluster and the PCM require the full 10 minutes in order to complete the learn cycle. Ensure that the ignition switch remains in RUN until the indicator stops flashing. If you turn the ignition switch before the indicator stops flashing, ensure that you repeat the long tamper cycle from the beginning.
Important: Due to component variability, the vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system must have the learn procedure performed regardless, even if the vehicle starts on the first ignition cycle after a VTD repair.
All codes in the theft deterrent module must be cleared for a relearn
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
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How do I disable the SIR system? Fuse? Did a search on the site and can't locate instructions
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
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In the I/P fuse block remove air bag 15amp fuse
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Well I got the ignition lock changed out. I go to start and it will run for 5 seconds and shut off then the theft light flashes 6 times and stays on. I leave the key in the run position for a full 10 minutes after that and still only runs for 5 seconds or so. I checked for codes and it is clear. According to the instructions the theft light is supposed to flash for ten minutes but mine don't. It just stays lit. Any ideas what I am doing wrong?
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
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It probably needs to relearn its theft password
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Thursday, October 14th, 2010 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
RONALD.NADEAU
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Thanks for the help but my son needed it going today. Took it to the dealer and took them 3 hours to figure it out too. $99.00 well worth it though
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 3:17 PM

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