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1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start?


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WizardofCars
Novice

Sep 19, 2008, 1:56 PM

Post #1 of 7 (5773 views)
1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

Replaced a quarter panel on a 1998 Pontiac FireBird with 3.8 V-6 and auto trans. Recieved car on a trade already apart,old quarter cut off, new quarter, rear bumper, etc...off car. I installed and welded new quarter, gas tank was already out of car, reinstalled gas tank after assembly and now No Start. The car has 101,000 miles on it and when i first attempted to start the fuel pump was running. It popped one time upon start attempt, but will not do so now. I can not hear the pump run any longer and have checked all wiring, relays and fuses. I am hoping the pump is not bad ($450.00!) and maybe the anti theft is preventing re-start. If so how do I re-set the system? Any help wil be greatly appreciated, just a Wizard not a Magician! Craig


dmac0923
Enthusiast

Sep 19, 2008, 2:54 PM

Post #2 of 7 (5769 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

did you check the fuel pump shut off. its a switch/relay/circuit breaker that deactivates the fuel pump & fuel system in the event of a collision.

im not sure on its location but any over the counter repair manual would set you in the right direction
__________________________________________________
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2002 Ford Ranger
2004 Toyota Corolla
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Sep 19, 2008, 3:54 PM

Post #3 of 7 (5768 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

dmac0923
I have never heard of a fuel cut off on a General Motor’s vehicle? The only manufacturer that I know of is Ford with their inertia switches. GM has always relied on an ignition reference to turn their pumps on and off; as far as I know anyway? If I’m wrong and there is such an animal please tell me where it is and its principles of operation.

As for the original post is the security light on or flashing? If so try cranking the engine again, if it doesn’t start, leave the ignition in the run position, do not turn it off after cranking. Now just leave things alone and wait and see if the light does off and stays off. If the light does go out, turn the ignition off and then try and start the car. This is a relearn procedure for the anti theft and could take up to 15 or 20 min. for the system to reset if there’s nothing else wrong with the system. So make sure you have a strong battery because if it goes soft or dead; you’ll have to start all over again.

If the security light only comes on when you first turn the ignition on and then goes off, for its bulb check; the system is likely working as intended.

You could also go right to the fuel pump wiring harness, back at the fuel tank and test whether there’s power being supplied to the pump during cranking? If there’s power then the pump or its ground circuit is bad.
Try these things and let us know what you find?

One last thought, if there was a far amount of welding done to this vehicle and the battery was not disconnected; you may have sent a power surge through the entire electronic system(s) and taken out a few modules?
OK I know don’t think bad thoughts. LOL

Dan.

Canadian "EH"






WizardofCars
Novice

Sep 19, 2008, 5:05 PM

Post #4 of 7 (5765 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

The Battery was disconnected during the entire repair process, about a 3 week period before reconnecting only after all work including reinstallation of the gas tank, so thankfully I can rule that ugly scenario out, I will try the relearning trial and see what happens. Wish me luck, and thankyou for all the help, any more Ideas? Let me know!
Craig


dmac0923
Enthusiast

Sep 20, 2008, 5:04 AM

Post #5 of 7 (5757 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

DanD,

LOL Blush embarrasing. the vehicles my family have owned have mainly been fords..... and i just assumed that was a DOT safety thing and not just manufacturer specific.

thats whats great about this forum. you literally learn something everyday
__________________________________________________
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2002 Ford Ranger
2004 Toyota Corolla
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Sep 20, 2008, 6:39 AM

Post #6 of 7 (5754 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

LOL dmac0923
I think Ford has been paranoid with there fuel deliver systems after a few of their pony car’s asses caught fire. Remember the Pinto?
I use to like screwing around with a buddy’s 86 Mustang that he used as a winter beater. I’d get behind him at a traffic light and bump the back of the car with my old truck. Man did he get pissed when the inertia switch would trip and he’d have to get out of the car to reset it. LOL

Sorry for steeling the tread Wizard; let us know what you find with your Bird.
Firebird that is. LOL

Dan.

Canadian "EH"






WizardofCars
Novice

Sep 20, 2008, 12:57 PM

Post #7 of 7 (5747 views)
Re: 1998 Firebird antitheft preventing start? Sign In

I will get back to the Bird after I replace Brake Lines on my Wife's Buick, I used to live in New Mexico (U.S.A.) and cars didn't rust out in the desert. I've been in Ohio for 9 years and miss the rust free cars and trucks. This place is hard on vehicles, I grew up believing cars were immortal, and steel was forever, was i ever living in a different world.! I will let you know if I get the bird running without having to buy a fuel pump.
just a wizard not a magician; Craig
P.S. The day I stop learning is the day I stop breathing!






 
 
 






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