Why would the car start and then stall and a red security light blink after replacing the steering column of a 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva?

Answer 1

Check your passlock. It is anti-theft device

AnswerQuickest,cheapest way to fix it is replace the instrument panel. look for one on car-part.com

The security feature inside the panel has gone bad. My buddy sent his off to get it rebuilt ($700) & 2 months later is happened again. Spend $50, & invest an hour to do it.

This is a common problem. There is one way to bypass it , but this will only work 2-3 times.

Turn ignition to the "on" position but do not start it. Leave on for 10 minutes. Crank it up, it will start. The computer is re-learning itself during this time.

let me tell you a very simple way to permantily solve the problem. i know because i had the same problem and the best thing is it wont cost you a dime! The security system is messed up. very common problem with these cars as I've learned. here are the steps to take:

1- remove tilt steering lever from steering column if you have tilt. it unscrews out

2-remove cover from steering column.

3- on the passenger side of the column at the key switch you will see 3 small 20 gauge wires. yellow, black, and white going from the switch up around the top of the column. cant miss them.

4-cut the yellow wire. PROBLEM SOLVED! your red security light will be on all the time while the car is on but that's a small price to pay compared to 4 or 5 hundred dollars it would cost to take it somewhere. that little red light don't bother me a bit!! Good luck NOTE: if you want you can take 2 pieces of 20 gauge wire and attach each one to each end of the yellow wire where cut and run it under the dash or somewhere and put a toggle switch on it in case you ever need to turn the security back on. i did it and followed all these steps and its been 6 months and car starts everytime