About Tom Joy Expertise Have expertise from 1960 thru 1999 CADILLAC'S in carb, fuel injection, brakes, suspension, CHECK ENGINE lights, ignition, transmission, A/C and heating, Electrical problems and all electronic components. if maxed out you can contact me at: tomcjoy@msn.com.
Expert: Tom Joy Date: 8/29/2007 Subject: car won'nt start cadillac catera 99
Question QUESTION: i have a 99 catera, that will not start after being driven over 30 minutes, starter and solenoid checked ok,new battery new alternator.when key inserted the instruments and radio work but car will not start.sometimes i have to wait over 1 hour before car starts.now car will not start at all,still instruments work and windows and door locks operate.please help!
ANSWER: When you say WON'T START, Do you mean that when you turn the key to start the engine you hear NOTHING or can you hear the engine trying to start but will not run ?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: there is no sound,car does not turn over at all.but when you take a screw driver and connect to starter the car will start.with the key the car will not start.
Answer Did you try another identical key ?. Did you try cleaning your key ?
Problem could be:
1. Electrical contacts within the key lock mechanism in the steering column.
2. PASS-KEY module for anti-theft system.
3. Ignition starter relay.
I can provide you with some simple test procedures if you know how to and HAVE a digital ohm meter such as a VOLT/OHMS/AMPS meter available for $20.00 at any auto parts store.
