A Chevy Malibu & A Mercury Sable
A Chevy With Security System Issues and A Mercury That Shifts Hard
Jul 27, 2008
Question: Chevy Malibu Security System Doesn't Reset
I'm having a problem with my Chevy Malibu. The theft system is not resetting anymore from the ignition switch so the car is not starting at all. What can I do to get the car to start? Or does the switch need to be replaced? Because it used to reset but now it stop resetting altogether.
Answer:
This is a common problem with the General Motors security systems. The short answer is you will need to replace the ignition switch. The way it works is this; there is a chip on the ignition key with a unique vehicle security code. There is a sensor in the ignition switch that reads this code. This is to insure the right key, assuming the rightful owner of the vehicle has the right key, is being used to start the vehicle.
There are two very small wires that connect the sensor to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). These wires have a tendency to break. When they do the PCM cannot read the chip and assumes an unauthorized person is trying to start, and presumably steal, the car.
Since the security system is designed to not be circumvented there is little you can do to get around this. You can replace the ignition switch yourself, but I would recommend having your dealer do it since there have been several technical service bulletins released concerning the replacement procedure for the ignition switch.
Question: 1996 Mercury Sable Hard Shifting
Hi sir, I have a question about my wife's car. She has a 1996 Mercury Sable Station Wagon with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Whenever we are taking it out for a drive, it will shift very hard when going up a hill or trying to gain passing speed. I have talked with several mechanics and all of them say something different. I have been told the synchronizers need replaced (what ever that is), I need a new speed sensor, and I have been told I need a new transmission all together.
What is the best way to check and see what the actual problem is?
Any advice would be great.
Thank you for your time.
Answer:
Well, first off I would avoid the mechanic who said you needed to have the synchronizers replaced. An automatic transmission, and I am assuming it is an automatic transmission, does not have synchronizers. They are only needed in a manual transmission.
The first thing you will need to do is scan the PCM for any stored codes. Most transmission codes will not turn on the Check Engine Light. Stored codes will help a great deal in troubleshooting this problem.
Lacking any codes you can do a simple transmission fluid and filter change. Sometimes this problem can be caused by a transmission filter that is clogged. I don't recommend a transmission flush, especially on a transmission with a lot of miles on it or one that hasn't been regularly serviced. Just changing the fluid and filter is the least invasive and much less likely to cause an even worse problem.
Other than that you will need to take it to a transmission shop or, preferably, a Ford Dealer to have the transmission pressures taken and thus pinpoint the problem. Also there are a few TSB's that have been issued on hard shifting problems that may apply to your vehicle.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics and other resources. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
