QuestionQUESTION: When the emissions testing equipment was connected to my Catera's OBD the car would not start and had to be pushed out the stall. The car and dash lights remained on but the car would not start. After several minutes the car was jump started and driven home.
Prior to this the last work done was to replace the keys and remotes to the car at a GM dealership. What should be checked to correct this problem. I hate to take a car for repairs without some idea of what the trouble may be.
ANSWER: Hello,
Your problem is not in the so-called anti-theft system or the key less entry system. The fact that the engine started with a jump, tells me immediately this is not anything to do with the dealer changing keys or remotes.
All too common when the engine doesn't start it is assumed that the problem is related to the ineffective factory installed security.
I hate to stick up for a dealer, but your description of the symptom, clearly leaves them off the hook.
There is a hundred or more things that can cause an engine to stall and not start again. The people at the emissions stations are rarely qualified to do any mechanical and I have seen on more than one occasion a state employee screwing up a car during an emissions test.
Drive the car and see if you have any more problems. This could have been a one time event. I don't want to see you stranded, but then on the other hand, you may be chasing ghosts.
If you are really concerned, you may want to request how much the dealer would charge to scan the computer system for error codes. This may find a problem you are not aware of.
If you liked my answer please give me a rating. I would really appreciatre it.
Thanks, and good luck!
Rob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The Catera was taken to a different emissions testing facility and again once the test equipment was connected to the Catera...turn the ignition and the wipers would start...lights remained on...car would not start and had to be pushed out of the stall.
AnswerHello,
Don't you find it strange that the problem only occurs at an emission testing center? It is something they are doing and obviously since I am not at the car, I cannot begin to tell you what is going on. The only thing I can telly you with certainty is that if the engine starts with a jump it is not a problem caused by the anti-theft system. I can also tell you with certainty that the anti-theft system is not designed to stall the engine.
I can also with certainty tell you this is not an ignition key problem.
You need to take the car to the dealer and explain the problem to them as you did me. They physically being with the vehicle may know why the engine is stalling during an emissions test and not starting without a jump.
As I said, you are chasing ghosts. The symptoms are that the engine stalls while getting tested and will not restart without a jump. As I stated, there could be a hundred different problems with the same symptoms.
I am severely limited in my answers as to what is wrong with your vehicle, because I have no way of replicating the problem and being at the car to diagnose the problem.
I do however find it strange that the only time the problem exists is when it is being tested. What are they doing there?
Your dealer may have a service bulletin addressing these issues dealing strictly with your Catera and emissions testing. I don't know. Ask them.
Good luck!
Rob
