QuestionQUESTION: I have a similar issue to another LHS owner that you gave advice to. My Tach, Speedometer and temp gauges don't work but the fuel guage does. At first the car would still start & run for a few seconds, then die. Now it won't even turn over. The security system light was staying on when it did run, and still stays on now when with the key in the "on" position. Any ideas?
ANSWER: After six attempts to start the car when the theft system is not disarmed the starter will be disabled also. So you have to clear the theft system from the armed status by unlocking either door or using the remote. The light staying on may indicate that the trunk lock key cylinder has not been detected to be closed. You didn't mention if you have the sentry key immobilizer module (skim) system also or not. That part of the system may be what is causing the light to stay on, so try another skim key if you have one. There are 6 pages in the '99 manual about this system which I can xerox and postal mail to you. Have you checked the owner's manual for any guidance?
I am not certain why only one gauge works. All the gauges are dependent on the digital data line that comes into the cluster. You could try a cluster self-test:
Press and hold the odometer reset button and then switch the ignition key from the lock to the un-lock position. The cluster will step through a series of tests which may get things going again. Fuses 1, 7, 14, 19 in the box behind the left end-cap of the dash are involved in the cluster so check those out.
Roland
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QUESTION: Roland - well, I got the car to start again, but there still seems to be an issue. Could you send me the pages from the manual and send to me at:
Chris Smith
13827 Edgewood Ave
Savage, MN 55378
I found a remote trunk release wire clip to be bent and reattached it, and now the remote trunk releas works, however I'm locked out of the system and can't seem to get back in. Is there any other way to disarm the system so I can try starting the car again?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi Chris,
Do you have the sentry key immobilizer system in the car? Does your ignition key have a molded rubber cap? Is there a ring around the ignition lock cylinder with a small box attacted to that ring?
Did you try the cluster self-test?
I will send the pages but would like to be certain that you have this system.
Roland
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QUESTION: Roland - yes, I believe I have the sentry key immobilizer system. I had a new key programmed and the car started, but the guages didn't work. Then yesterday the guages suddenly started working, but when I shut the car off, I couldn't start it again - it would die immediately and after 6 tries it locked me out and now it won't even turn over. I'll check the ring around the ignition lock cylinder for the small box - that must be a chip? Anyway, I think I may need the dealer to reprogram the key again. I did do in instrument test and they all work, and all the fuses are good. BTW, the owners manual said something about the trunk release which is why I checked that and fixed it. I guess what I would like to know is how to reset the security system as I'm locked out right now. Thanks and hopefully I can get this figured out. The car runs great (burns no oil at 242K!) and I love driving it. Just need to get past this security thing...
AnswerHi Chris,
You clearly have the SKIM. I will copy the pages from the manual and the relevant wiring diagrams. Then you can work through this problem.
Try lock/unlock the driver door and if that doesn't work try the passenger door, using a key. That may cancel the 'set'.
Roland
