Originally Posted by
Chrisjlyon
Glad to see this wonderful thread. Thanks for all this hard work! I just bought a 2004 that has had horrible starting issues. The last owner had replaced starter, alternator, battery, ignition and computer. It worked for him for a few months and now it won't start again. I just got it in my garage yesterday and have the battery on a charger since it was dead. My question is if this RCM solder joint issue causes the car to not even crank or try to turn over?
That is correct, solder joint issue could cause it to not even crank or try.
Can you hear the fuel pump prime sound / buzz when you turn the key once? (Acc position)
pay attention to the rear & right area of the trunk for the noise.
No fuel pump noise + no crank or try to crank = RCM not detected by computer = bad joints or bad rcm
Also, when the battery is extremely low the RCM won't respond correctly
once fully charged, reconnect it and have the driver door closed .. lock and unlock with the remote OR lock and unlock with the key in the drivers side door handle sometimes when the battery has been removed for more than 24 hours after installing the new battery or a fully charged battery the alarm system acts up and wont allow the car to start ( no crank no try) until security module receives a proper recognition command from the key or control