98 Olds 88 won't start

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Kennyray

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I have a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 that will not start. The Security light comes on, but does not flash. It eventually times out and turns off, so I don't think it's the security system.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what this is?:confused:
 
give a little more information, it would help in diagnosing the no start.
 
Kennyray said:
I have a 1998 Oldsmobile 88 that will not start. The Security light comes on, but does not flash. It eventually times out and turns off, so I don't think it's the security system.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what this is?:confused:
Click to expand...
Perhaps a wornout key resistor "chip" on the key ??? Dunno - but that's the stupidest crap GM or anyone else has ever come up with....if my key gets the slightest bit of humidity about it (i.e., cutting my grass with keys in my pocket,) the security light stays lit the entire time after the car starts .... these reisitors wear over the years from inserting/removing from the ignition....Dunno why they bother with "anti theft" devices anyway, as cars are stolen by car-jacking, in my parts....that way they get your car, the keys, and no suspicious damage to any of it. *sigh* I can't wait 'til I can afford to replace our POS '95 88 Royale ..... one of the most unreliable cars I've owned and likely the last GM product I'll ever own - unless Toyota buys GM and remakes them from top to bottom ;)
 
It could be the VATS key has poor contact with the ignition, if the car doesn't even try to turn over. You could try to wipe the contacts (both switch and key) with a clean cloth, or q-tip.

As a side note, I disagree with the previous unregistered poster. It's not a bad idea, and is generally quite reliable. The GM h-bodies and the 3800 V6 are also considered to be one of the best, most reliable cars around. Every car maker puts out the occasional lemon, and all cars have issues after 10 years. Yeah, even Toyota. Moving on...

We really do need more information. Does the engine turn over? If so, does it seem to try to start? If not, does it make a "click"? Or does it do nothing at all?
 
thejmfc said:
As a side note, I disagree with the previous unregistered poster. It's not a bad idea, and is generally quite reliable. The GM h-bodies and the 3800 V6 are also considered to be one of the best, most reliable cars around. Every car maker puts out the occasional lemon, and all cars have issues after 10 years. Yeah, even Toyota. Moving on...
Click to expand...
But, unfortunately, GM is not limited to "the occasional lemon"..... GM is sorely limited to the occasional car that is almost worth what they want to charge for it. The company is now a joke, a sad shadow of what it once was - all BIG 3 fit this description - has been for over 30 years. I WOULD consider buying a new 'Vette, however, if I could afford one ... ;)
 
US Autos Are OK

You mentioned that GM is not what it used to be. Sure, 30 years ago a person could work at a US auto factory and make a decent career of it. Now it's layoffs and benefit cuts. Also 30 years ago a US made car would not last over 100K miles without a major overhaul, that is if the body didn't have a rusted body or frame. Today US cars last as long as any foreign manufacterer. Check all the statistics. And if you are lucky enough to work in a US auto factory you can still make a decent living unlike the sweatshops in other countries. Even Japan and Germany are having problems with competition from countries like South Korea (rife with sweatshops).
 
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