my car wont star WHY?
Asked by Troy Aug 02, 2013 at 03:00 PM about the 2000 Cadillac Eldorado ESC Coupe FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
i have a 2000 cadillac eldorado ESC im having starting problems. ITs not the alternator or
the battery had them both checked out. over night my car dies completely wont start but
when i get a boost it works all day. what could possibly be the problem? When the car is
off my windows, windshield wipers and radio all have power when the key is not in the
ignition.
5 Answers
Fordtudor37 answered 11 years ago
Does the OBD II read any codes ? The key should only allow power to everything when in "Accessories or Run" position. Check the "key" switch and the Ignition shift lock module. If you look underneath the dash board, just below the dash/column mount and above the floorboard/column mount, you will see an electrical switch (top side of column) that is activated by the key switch "rod" when turned to "Run" or "Accessories". There will be two sets of wires connected to this switch which allows operation of the vehicle. I would say one of these switches is broken and out of alignment causing your issue.
should i get a jump before looking at this?
Fordtudor37 answered 11 years ago
You need the battery charged enough to run the test, so either "jump it" or put a "charger" on it until it has the power. YOU DO NOT NEED to start the car to run the test in "Run" the key just needs to be in that "position" on the column switch (Key On, Engine Off).
I have a 98 Eldorado ETC that has similar problems I believe that I had narrowed it down to the same switch. I would like to know what contacts are made in each key position for further troubleshooting. Don't go running out and try to buy a new switch because they no longer make them. I haven't been able to find even an aftermarket switch. I guess I'll roll the dice and go to a salvage yard. Any advice ill be appreciated.
I have the very same problem. My Eldorado has been at the local Cadillac service center since Oct 2018! They know the problem (the ignition shift lock) but cannot find a replacement! They say that there are two types, one is for shifts that are on the steering shaft and one for the version that has the shift on the floor. Mine is on the floor. Their solution is to remove the fuze every night and replace it the next time I need to start it!! I believe the real reason is that they already foresee the possibility of the cost being higher than their quote. Nevertheless, as I see it, I have the option of finding the part on my own or finding a workaround for the fuze issue. Advice?
