Just sprayed my car off with the water hose in the front yard. Left the keys in the car, came in and took a shower so I wouldn't get my car dirty after crawling up under the bushes to the water spicket. When I went to start it, the car turned over fine and started like normal until it sputtered out and died. Tried again, same thing. Then the third time, the stupid thing wouldn't ever turn over. I turn the key to the start position and all of the dash lights come on but no parts trying to spin. What the heck could have happened? Battery is less than a month old.

 

The car is not stupid, it's an inanimate object, only the driver can be stupid. Let it sit and dry out overnight. Disconnect the battery also, then give it a try in the morning.

 

Now, why do you mention that - you didn't "spray off" the engine compartment or the dash area of the interior, did you?

 

I had to look at your profile to figure out what year you had. It helps when you list your year, miles, and things recently replaced. I smell a CPS, on the early 04's maybe the late ones too, they didn't enjoy a heat shield, it may just had been it's time to go out. It's an easy fix and not expensive. Washing the car shouldn't have caused any problems, as mentioned, you didn't wash the engine nor the dash. Just my two cents.

Dave

 

Maybe the answer to the problem skreems at us.

 

The smell of a CPS comes with the sound of a starter engaging..


Ahh.. the classic symptom.. and since he didn't just swap to a new fob.. LOL


Pulling the battery cable for a couple of seconds then trying again with the same results is a pretty solid indicator.

 

I left it outside to give it time overnight. I have been researching on the forum tonight, and I also talked to my dad. He bought the car back in 09'ish with 90k on it. He had this problem after he bought it and changed the sensor. It ran fine until now at 133k miles. He changed the ignition in it himself not too long ago before he gave it to me. I believe he had problems with the coding in the computer so the old ignition is hanging there to appease the car for now until I can get a dealer to rail me on reprogramming it (I think it was the antenna ring that gave him trouble, something with vin numbers if I remember correctly). Not exactly sure how all of these electronic and security systems work yet as I just started researching today. Also, my key fob doesn't even have batteries in in right now. But it has ran fine for the last month since he passed it down to me, and oh what a troublesome month. A new battery is the most significant replacement I've made right now, other than that just light bulbs, a new front tire, and headliner rewrapping. I know all of that cosmetic stuff is non-relevant to the whole "start, don't start" problem I'm having but it gives a little justification to my "stupid car" statement, as she has been a little money pit I will disconnect battery cable tomorrow and try again so you can help me more to clarify it. Thanks guys. You have helped so much the past month!!

 

This guy had troubles with his SKREEM and tried a method to reset it. He had siren problems but it is SKREEM related.
I suggest you disconnect the battery reconnect it and try his method that he outlined in this post (click)
You have everything to gain.

 

Looks fun I'll let you know the results

 

My Jerry rig on the old ignition came undone and I did not see it because it was dark last night. The rig is a fob taped to the old ignition that is held within an inch of the new ignition. Car started fine when I taped it back together. Got it back into the garage so I'm good to start checking the electronics

 

No wonder many have given up trying to waste time answering questions when all the details are not included in the question.

 

No wonder many have given up wasting time answering questions when all the details are not included in the question.

 

Anything well said, is worth repeating, I always say I always say!

 

Guys, the original poster is young and has little experience with cars. I'm impressed he's willing to try, do his research and is using this forum. I'm sure, as bright as he seems to be, he's learnt, after this posting, to include all he can.

Most of us grew up playing with cars and in the process learning what information to include when describing a problem. Things that appear so blatant to us, may have no importance to a novice eager to learn mechanic.

Just saying....

Dave

 

I don't understand - "Old ignition?"

I think you know more about your car than anyone here.

 

You sir, are correct.