Q: security light on but not blinking and car won't start

asked by on July 17, 2017

One night I was driving the car and ran out of gas. Once I put gas in the car it wouldn't start and when I finally got it to start I drove it maybe a mile and it shut back off and wouldn't start back up. Car has been sitting for over a year now and I can't figure out if it's a fuel related problem or starter related problem. I've changed the starter and when I try to start it up the bendix gear doesn't move or pop out. Tested this starter and the previous starter and was told there was nothing wrong with either one. Recently I've noticed the security light is on as well. It's not blinking but when I try to start the car it just won't turnover. I've tried to reset to no avail and I've also tried to bypass it and still no success. What should I do to try and at least get the car to start? How can I know if it's a fuel related problem or starter related problem?
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Air conditioner not working
The radiator on these vehicles are known to spring leaks at the tanks on the radiator. The radiator needs to be replaced. The a/c would need to be checked to see if the problem was related to the radiator leaking...
Rough idling and shaking on a 2000 Blazer
You're a lucky man, you've had that thing for seven years and this is the first problem you have. I'm assuming you don't drive that many miles. On those, a lot of times it is a vacuum leak. I've got...
Where can i find my cabin air filter on my 2006 Buick Rainier?
If the vehicle is equipped with one, you can find it by lowering the glove box and looking behind it for the filter cover. Remove the cover and filter will be inside. If you find that the cover is not...
my transmission keeps trying to slide off the transmission jack.
This should not hurt the exhast to do this. I would recommend asking for a helper if necessary to help you keep the transmission level. If the transmission falls, this can damage the transmission rather than the exhaust. If the...
OBD-II codes P2195 and P0171 appear
P2195 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2195-obd-ii-trouble-code-o2-sensor-signal-stuck-lean-bank-1-sensor-1-by-jay-safford) and P0171 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) occur when the engine is running too rich (too much fuel relative to air charge) and the engine feedback system is unable to compensate. The "how can you fix this" depends on which component(s) in...
I replaced all pads and rotors. There is pulsating /grinding noise when I brake. Is it a reluctor ring or sensor?
Pull the fuse for the ABS system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/abs-light-is-on-inspection) to disable it and then test drive the car (don't forget to re-install the fuse later). If the pulsating/grinding noise remains that means the ABS system has nothing to do with your...
Vibration and high idle when i cold start it
A high idle upon cold start is generally normal for any vehicle as this is part of the cold start enrichment process as the engine warms up. As a general rule, car engines do not like cold weather and do...
My car won't start it's just ticking. Tried to jump it and still wouldn't start. What else can it be?
Hello There, This is likely a problem with something on your starter called a starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. As electricity is supplied to...
Can I use a radiator from a different brand of car that I got in a pick n pull, in my car, if they have the same dimensions?
Even if you find a radiator with the same measurements it will most likely have different mounting location brackets and not fit correctly. You may need to find the same year vehicle or within a couple years should fit.

Related articles

2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2012 Dodge Ram: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a way to get a load of mulch or gravel, or need to haul a large trailer or boat behind your vehicle, chances are you are looking for a truck. Trucks are not meant to...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Wedding Planner
As As a wedding planner, the demands placed on your time are going to be significant, even if you’re only dealing with one or two couples. You need to be a master juggler when it comes to your time and...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alabama in 2012
2012 2012 was a great year in Alabama for auto manufacturing, but that wasn’t the only bright spot. Vehicle sales in Alabama were also robust in 2012. Nothing much changed in terms of the vehicle types that were most popular...