Car won't start turn switch it lights up but won't start

Asked by Greg Sep 24, 2021 at 09:15 PM about the 1996 Buick Riviera Supercharged Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2 Answers

38,855

doesn't turn over ( crank ) ? or won't start ( run ) when it does ?

1 people found this helpful.
155,175

If you're saying it won't crank, try starting it in neutral. If it starts in neutral it's the neutral safety switch. If not, get a hammer and hit the starter a few times. If that gets you going it's a bad starter. Your Buick has GMs VATS security system. The chip on the ignition key must contact two tiny wires inside of the ignition lock cylinder so the computer knows you're using the correct ignition key. Those wires break off over time and lose contact with the chip on the ignition key. The computer will think you're trying to start the engine without a key. So it will not allow the starter to crank. You need to check the resistance value of the chip on the ignition key and compare it to the chart below to determine which VATS key you have. Then you need to unplug the two wires under the dash that come from the lock cylinder and check the resistance value across the two wires with the key in the ignition. You should rotate the lock through all the positions to make sure you don't have an intermittent problem. The resistance value on the two wires should match the resistance value of the chip on the key exactly. If not you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. The new lock will come with a template for cutting the new VATS keys. The template will NOT start the engine. You need to use the chart below to determine which key you have and get that number key blank then use the template to cut the VATS key blanks. Hope that helps! Jim

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1996 Buick Riviera

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Alvin Stokes
    Reputation
    1,910
  • #2
    Chris Kelley
    Reputation
    930
  • #3
    Jason Gee
    Reputation
    580
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
703 Great Deals out of 12,046 listings starting at $3,200
Used Chevrolet Impala
278 Great Deals out of 3,886 listings starting at $900
Used Buick Park Avenue
41 listings starting at $4,488
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
5 Great Deals out of 194 listings starting at $4,000
Used Cadillac Eldorado
148 listings starting at $2,950
Used Lincoln Town Car
10 Great Deals out of 390 listings starting at $1,995
Used Buick Regal
53 Great Deals out of 672 listings starting at $1,995
Used Lexus LS
119 Great Deals out of 1,727 listings starting at $3,300
Used Ford Mustang
915 Great Deals out of 23,188 listings starting at $1,995
Used Buick LeSabre
7 Great Deals out of 153 listings starting at $1,895

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.