97 LeSabre Key Fob / Won't Start

[tgopherb]

I just purchased a '97 Buick LeSabre Limited about 3 weeks ago and loved it. However, last week my key fob battery died (I think - I'll explain in a second) and now my car won't start. All the bells and whistles come on (ie radio, AC, lights, power locks/windows) and I even boosted it to be absolutely sure it was not a battery issue, but when I turn the key, the starter does nothing. There was no previous sign that the starter might be going and I think it would be odd for both the starter and the keyless entry to go at the same time.

I changed the battery in the key fob and now the panic button works, but not the lock, unlock, or trunk buttons, and the car still won't start!

The car dealer didn't have an owner's manual so I couldn't check in there. If anyone knows of a place online where I could get the manual in, say, a PDF file, could you also send the link?

Thanks!

 

[fubarbackc]

i dont know where you could get a manual but i bet i know why your power door locks and trunk button dont work. i had the same thing happen, i bet you blew a fuse. on my lesabre i have 3 fuse panels one under the steering wheel one under thre glove box and one in the engine compartment. when my power door locks went it was a blown fuse under the glove box.... other than that i really dont know what to tell you.... take a fuse tester to all of your fuses and see if you cant find a bad one... i dont know if this helps any but at least i tried... hopefully someone else will know the answer to your question.

 

[HiHoSilver]

You might try registering on the GM Owner's Center. I know they have pdf versions of owner's manuals there. Not sure if the versions are offered back to 1997 though. Worth a shot and really handy to have on your computer!

 

[Unregistered]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=118683

 

[Flatrater]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=118683

Thank you for linking my own post. I wrote that a while ago. But if you stand next to the car press the lock and unlock button on your fob for 15 seconds you should hear your horn chirp.

 

[tgopherb]

Thanks for the link. I wasn't sure if the key fob was truly dead since the panic button was working.

So now the key fob works, but the car still won't start, and when I went out this morning to program the fob, the horn had stopped working as well. Is there some step I am missing?

 

[Unregistered]

I had the same problem last year with a '98. It turned out to be a piece of dirt in the ignition cylinder that stopped the car from reading the resistor in the key. I got off cheap (i.e. free) on that one, but I have been told that after several failed attempts to read a key the passkey system will shut off the ability to start the car until it's reset by the dealer. It started out by effecting the horn and turn signals, and then the car wouldn't even turn over. I did get the security light that was on, but not when the problem was with the horn. A friend said to try blowing out the key cylinder. I did, and haven't had a problem since. Buick.com does have an owner's center with a pdf manual. It says to make sure to use a clean and dry key. If the car doesn't start,wait 3 minutes and try another key. If it still doesn't start, all fuses are good, and starter doesn't turn, the car needs service. Hope this helps!!