1996 Oldsmobile Achieva

Tiny
CSPOEHR
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I'm not sure if this is a computer problem, but sometimes my car wont start and sometimes it does. But I noticed that when it wont start the security light is on and when it turns off it will start. Sometimes when im driving it will shut off, and it will have no signs of shutting off. Im very confused on what the problem is and I just want a suggestion on what it could be so I could get it fixed. I love this car and I wouldnt want to junk it.
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 AT 7:37 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
It sounds like a problem with the security system. Does the key have a small resister in it? If so and you have another key, try a different key. If when trying to start the security light flashes, it's not recognizing the key and thinks the car is being stolen so it shuts down. If the extra key doesn't work, there most likely is a problem in the steering column with the sensor. If that is the case, I recommend taking it to a dealer for repair. They will have the specialized testers to check and repair the system.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 12:06 AM
Tiny
CSPOEHR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Actually it was just the Camshaft Position Sensor, but now my Check Engine Light and ETS Trac Light stays on, I went to Autozone and they hooked my car up to a machine and it said its cause of the Gas Cap?
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 12:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
It could be anything in the EVAP system. If the cap doesn't help, let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 12:44 AM
Tiny
CSPOEHR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My car started doing it again. It will shut off while im driving or while the car is just idling. Then the security light will stay on, and my car wont start. Ive replaced the camshaft sensor it still does it! Im so confused cause im not sure what it is, and dont really have the money to bring it into a shop. Someone mentioned it could be the Oxygen Sensor but im not sure. Can anyone help?
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 AT 9:57 PM

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