Q: Car will not start and interior accessories are disabled. 1998 Saturn LS

asked by on August 30, 2016

1998 Saturn LSMy car will not start and I am considering that it is caused by the security system shutting down the ignition system in my car. The battery is functioning just fine. What happened is that I turned the key to start the car and when I do, it does not produce any click. Also disabled are some of the interior accessory powered parts like the radio, door locks, clock, etc. The lights do work, as well as the horn and wipers. I jump-started the car but it didn’t help. I could bypass this problem sometimes by disconnecting the battery, then waiting a while, and then reconnecting it. Eventually this will work, but I have had to wait for days for it to work. It is actually the only way it will work! If the clock and the radio come on, then I know the car will start and then the door locks also work. This problem is intermittent but I can’t really drive anywhere because I do not know when it will occur. As mentioned earlier, I am thinking that the problem is associated with the security interlock because I had this exact same problem when the remote keyless entry system disabled the ignition. More than one year ago, I had stopped using the remote keyless system and the problem is now back. I have been to two different auto repair shops and neither of them can fix this. In your experience what will repair this problem?

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1998 Saturn LS. This sounds like you have a short somewhere in the electrical system. I would start by testing the power supply to each of the various components or first try disconnecting the alarm system to see if the same problem still persists. If you would like to have this looked at, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the no start and have this repaired appropriately.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Do I need to replace the engine fuse box or is there and easier fix that is less expensive?
The different models for those two years are not interchangeable for fuse box swaps. Your only way to fix the problem is to replace the fuse box (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuse-box) if the pins cannot be tightened up. If you need some assistance...
My car will go into neutral while I am driving it. To get it to work again, I have to pull over, turn the car off, and restart a m
Hi there. Assuming you replaced the TCM (transmission control module) with a factory part, a transmission shift relearn procedure should have been performed. It could be that you have a TCM connector or wiring issue if the same code has...
Truck bogs down at wot.
Hi there. It appears as if you've checked all the usual suspects that can impact acceleration "bogging" issues except for two the throttle body and fuel injectors. When you're quickly applying throttle to a fuel injected engine, having a clean...
Cutting off when coming to a stop
Unfortunately, without the make and model of your vehicle, this would be tough to diagnose. Generally, when the engine dies when coming to a stop, this is commonly related to what is known as an idle air control valve. The...
Car stays on when clutch is released in gear.
Hi there. The two OBD-II trouble codes wouldn't be cause the clutch issue you're describing. However, the P0507 trouble code means (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0507-obd-ii-trouble-code-idle-control-system-rpm-higher-than-expected-by-spencer-clayton) the idle control system has excessively high RPM. The ECU has a specific rpm range the idle is...
power steering fluid is leaking
With a power steering fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power...
can you replace an alternator on a Lexus 2007 350 ES without removing the bumper ?
If your ES350 was built after March 2006, you have to remove the bumper. If you have the alternator replaced by a mobile certified mechanic, you will save money and it will be a lot more convenient because the repair...
When putting car in reverse heard a Big Bang and car won't move now not even in neutral
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several things you will need to look at or have inspected. First, we need to look at the transmission itself, where the linkage from your shifter connects and switches gears on the...
Oil in coolant or rusty coolant?
Hi there. Typically when you see a copper like color in the coolant, it's a sign of rust coming from the inner radiator. Having a professional mobile mechanic complete a good radiator flush (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-system-flush) should clean the system, however, if...

Related articles

How a Battery Works With a Car's Electrical System
Have Have you ever wondered how your car’s electrical system works? It all starts with your car battery. Your car's electrical system operates on a closed circuit, with the main power system being the automotive battery. It uses less than...
How to Diagnose an Ignition Key That Won’t Turn
If your car key won't turn in the ignition and your steering wheel locks it's easy to fix. Try jiggling the steering wheel and checking the battery.
How to Replace a Car Battery Temperature Sensor
The battery has a battery temperature sensor that can fail if the Check Engine Light comes on, the battery voltage is low, or the RPM curve surges.