Alright - My car was broken in to recently, and ever since then, I can no longer get it to start The driver's side window was smashed in, and the entire center console area was ripped out to get the radio (IE - The bezel with the clock and warning flasher button and everything else attached to it got ripped out.) Right now, when I turn the key to the run position, everything lights up and seems to work just fine (Windows/Sunroof, Lights, Gauges, Power Seats, Etc. all work fine.) However, when I turn the key over to start the car, everything just completely goes dead. The alarm wasn't on when the car was broken into, as I lost the clicker for it years ago and never bothered to buy a replacement, so I don't think that the alarm could have triggered an immobilizer or anything (Besides, I didn't think the 97's had one on them, since I don't have a transponder key or anything.)

Any ideas what could be causing my problem ? I made sure that none of the wires in the radio area were shorting out accidentally, and I replaced the spark plugs, wires, and distributor cap just to be safe. The battery and starter both worked flawlessly until the car was broken into, so I don't think either of them has gone bad (And everything does light up when it's in the run or accessory position.) The car is wrecked at the moment, so I don't want to start sinking money into the bodywork until I have it running again. Thanks in advance to anybody that can help me out with this - I've run out of ideas, so anything and everything will be greatly appreciated

 

are you sure it isnt the battery?
it sounds like the car has enough juice for everything but to start the car. does it click when you try to start it?

 

Nope - Everything just goes dead on it, which is really strange (It doesn't even attempt to start - Stuff just goes dead all around.) I've tried jump starting it over the weekend, but that didn't work at all.

 

Battery or alternator, also check your battery terminals and make sure they're tight

 

and grounds just incase

 

Alrighty then - Guess I'll pull the battery this weekend and get it tested at Autozone just to be sure. Is there an easy way to test the alternator without it starting ?

 

First check the underhood and underdash fuses that feed the starter and ignition for bad fuse. Need a manual as there are several fuses involved.

If all fuses OK, check the ignition power (usually Blk/Yel) wire to the distributor for power when keyswitch is in ON position. If nothing, the keyswitch is faulty.

If you have power to ignition, check the power (usally Blk/Wht) wire to the starter solenoid to see if it's getting power. Again, if no power the keyswitch is faulty.

good luck

 

Just as an FYI for everyone out there with a 1997 CL, the car does have an immobilizer that will prevent it from being started if the alarm is triggered. It doesn't have a transponder key to unlock it though - You just have to turn the normal key right and left a couple of times in the driver's side door to disarm it. Once I did that, the car fired right up after sitting for just over three years. On the plus side, it now has new spark plugs, wires, ad istributor cap, and a battery. I checked the fuses under the hood, and the one for the alarm was blown. That's why turning the key hadn't ever disarmed it prior to now. I just knew in the back of my mind it was going to be an easy fix....