Expert: Skip Bollinger - 4/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have already had my computer replaced once to try and fix this problem.  The factory vehicle anti theft kicks on, and thinks the car is being stolen.  The car is capable of remote keyless entry, however there isn't a remote nor has there ever been one.  Nobody wants to steal this car, where I work it would have already been stolen.  How can you tell me to disable the factory anti theft so I don't have to go through this every day.  The car isn't worth stealing, the tires are worth more than the car, but it is a great car aside from this anti theft problem.  My mechanic said he had no idea as to how to disable it, if I could find out though, he will be more than happy to disable it.  PLEASE HELP!!  There has to be a way to disable this.

Thanks

Amie
ANSWER: Amie,
  As I stated in my profile, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a tech but have been having similar problems with my daughter's GMC Jimmy. We had it towed to a service center in Texas where she attends school and they got in the car and it started right up. Read about the Tow Truck trick below.. You DID NOT TELL ME THE YEAR, MAKE OR MODEL of car you have. This makes diagnosis VERY DIFFICULT.
  I called a Tech customer of mine whose opinion I respect highly. She said it is almost impossible to disable a factory anti-theft system. It is tied into the electric fuel pump and can be a wiring nightmare. She said the best bet you would have is take it back to the dealer. I'd call them first. She added that for some reason, if you can raise the front of the vehicle about 3' above the rear and hold it there for about 10 minutes, in about 80% of the time, the vehicle will "fix" itself. She thinks it is putting pressure on the fuel system components and somehow alleviates the problem. She said she learned this "trick" from a tow truck driver.
  Amie, I don't know what you are working on but I'd try parking that sucker on a VERY steep hill or calling a tow truck to see if he might raise the front end high enough and long enough to help the situation. It worked on my daughter's vehicle as I was told it might and it did!!
  I realize I haven't helped you very much. I'd try the Tow Truck Trick. If that doesn't work, call the dealer to see if they can disarm the anti-theft system. If that doesn't help, where do you park it? I need some new tires. Good Luck and happy Easter!!
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So sorry!  I thought I put the year make and model in.  It is a 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva SL, 2.4L quad 4.  This does help as it is annoying the he** out of me.  Come to think of it, this started doing this after I parked in my parents driveway, which is about a 70 degree angle.  how totally bazaar.  You would think GM would do a recall on something like this to fix it.  Thanks so much, i really appreciate it.

Amie
ANSWER: Amie,
  I'd try backing the car down the driveway and leave it for a few beers. This is IF the driveway is on a downward slope as you pull in. Usually 30 minutes, I'm told, will have an 80% success rate to fix the problem. NO one know why. I'll bet that driveway is fun in the snow!!
  GM hasn't recalled it because they probably don't know how to fix it! I don't know... LET ME KNOW!!!!
Skip

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QUESTION: Apparently the car had been wrecked, memory on the airbags was erased.  It doesn't appear that the windshield broke when the passenger airbag deployed, but perhaps broke the seal on the window.  The computer was pulled out and there was moisture and what appeared to be washer fluid on it.  My mechanic told me to go and to get the windshield sealed and see what happens then.  It shouldn't cost much, the window is just fine, I just need it sealed.
ANSWER: Amie,
  Wrecked?? Who knows what is going on then. Did you try backing it down your parent's driveway to see if that helped?
  Computers and water don't like each other. That could be the problem... I thought you said you already replaced the computer.
  Let me know.
Skip

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QUESTION: The computer was replaced 6 months ago.  when the mechanic pulled it out yesterday, there was washer fluid all over it.  Considering where the computer is located, this was telling my mechanic that there was a problem with the winshield.  There was also moisture in the car.  I am going to get the windshield sealed this week, within the next day or two tops.  I just can't keep contending with this car.  Backing down didn't really help.  Since I had the new computer put in, it has been much better.  I will try the windshield seal adn see if that helps.

Amie
ANSWER: Amie,
  I hope that fixes it. Water on the computer Can't Be Good!! If, when you replaced the old computer and things got a bit better, maybe you are on the right track. HEY, MOST places offer a lifetime warranty on A1, Standard Ignition, Borg Warner, G.P. Sorensen and so on. Is you computer one of those brands?? IF SO, you might have a warranty if you still have the receipt, canceled check, credit card receipt or some type of "proof of purchase". That would save you from having to buy another one!! Dry it off, carefully clean off any "blue stains", take it back and see what happens. Cry if they tell you, "No". FINALLY A PARTS ANSWER I'M CONVINCED WILL HELP!!!! I just hope you didn't buy it off eBay.   
  Thank you for your kind words but I need to know where you park the car as I still need new tires... Happy Easter.
Skip

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QUESTION: Hey Skip!

My computer was replaced for free.  I had to pay the charge to reprogram it, but $50 is nothing.

Do you happen to know what the cost is to reseal a windshield?  Any contacts of yours happen to know what it costs to reseal a windshield?

Thanks

Amie

Answer
Amie,
  You are really challenging my ability here. I have no idea how much it would cost to reseal the windshield. I do know the 3M part number for the "sealer" will be 8610, 8611 or 8612 depending on the diameter of the "sealer". I'm only a Parts Professional, remember?? I'm not into body work but would imagine it could be done in about an hour or so. I think the whole thing would cost less than $100.00. MAKE SURE they remove the windshield and reseal it and NOT JUST SQUIRT SOME SILICONE IN THERE to PATCH the problem.
  I'm still looking for those tires..
Skip