Originally Posted by
jax45
Thanks Pizza Guy for your reply. Actually, I did answer but due to my inexperience it wasn't readable. I meant that starter would not engage. Since then I found by reprogramming the key, I could get the car to start. I thought it was fixed but then alas, it wouldn't start again. Sometimes the starter will engage momentarily and then quit, the little screen beneath the odometer will say start error. Do I have a bad key fob or security computer? Apologies for not using the proper terminology for these components but I am rapidly learning their names. Thanks guys and Merry Christmas!
You can't reprogram the key - the RFID chip in the key is coded to the SKREEM and you cannot alter it. You CAN program the key to lock and unlock the doors, but that's it.
If the starter won't engage, I'd be looking, again, at the "Engine COntrol Relay" output of the RCM. That is, once I assured myself that the battery is healthy and the battery posts and terminals are clean and tight.
I must say, never in six years have I heard of "START ERROR" being displayed. THAT is a new one.
If the SKREEM is bad, the car will crank three times, then you get nothing. Disconnecting the battery and reconnectiong it will get you three more cranks then nothing. You are describing either a flaky engine control relay output from the RCM or a weak/marginal battery or really bad battery posts/terminal corrosion. Be sure and check the battery ground cable where it attaches to the chassi - mine was so bad I changed the battery ground cable ($11 at AutoZone). If the battery voltage falls below (I think it is 9.6 volts) during cranking, the pulse module will drop out and the starter will stop turning.