Problem with starting the car

VICTOR JAMES BAKER

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC MONTANA
3.5L
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

When I put the key into the ignition the dashboard instrument panel turns on then back off again. I turn the key to the on position and try to crank it over but it does not do anything. But if I leave the key in the on position and crawl under the hood where I can see the main starter wire and the small wire. I can jump the two with a small screwdriver and it starts.

Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 AT 6:57 PM

1 Reply

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,295 POSTS

Is the "security" light on? If so, then take your key to the dealer and have it checked. They should check it for free.

If it is not on, then I would start with checking the battery terminals and cables, making sure that they are completely tight, on both ends. You likely just need to clean and tighten them. If you see any greenish/whitish gunk on the terminals, then take the terminals off and clean them with a pipe cleaner, sandpaper, or something along those lines and reconnect them. Make sure that the connections are tight enough that you cannot move the cables by hand.

Start there and let us know.

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Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 AT 2:41 AM