I drove all day today... it was fine. Drove to Blockbuster, went in and got two movies, came out, and it wouldn't start. Lights came on, air conditioning, windows worked FINE, but it wouldn't crank at ALL. All the sudden I had a check engine light I'd never seen before, as well as oil level light and no oil presure. Opened my hood, and my oil looked fine on the stick...

I was thinking, could it be the security system? I've known GM security systems to occasionally become possesed, and right when I turned the key, my security light came on, but after a couple seconds went off again.

If it helps, it did this for about 2 days when I first bought it, had the mechanics wanting to shoot it until they replaced the crankshaft position sensor, and it hasn't done this since until tonight.

It took me 25 minutes, but at least blockbuster was within walking distance of my apartment.

BAD bonne, BAD!

oh yes and I totally cleaned my battery cables the other day. cause i knew someone would say that.

Sorry to hear..

Did you also pull the booties off the cables to look for corrosion underneath?

When the mechanics were working on it..do you remember if they changed the starter?

umm, I'm kind of scared to pull the boots off, I have this irrational fear of electricity.. it takes all my guts to disconnect the battery ahem really embarassing

BUT I called firestone and they said they did not replace my starter. is that something that I (who struggled changing the thermostat... but i DID IT!) could do myself? I have a manual... could it also be the starter solenoid? And how do I test this kind of stuff :?

Where are you located? If you are afraid to do it, maybe you can head up to my house (Cleveland area) and I will help you out. Maybe a few other members will show up, who knows.

You didn't really struggle though did you? We merely need to build up your confidence a little and you are all set. Let'* remember something I frequently say... the majority of mechanics and these quickie places like Firestone guys didn't finish high school and then worked their way into their jobs. Don't get me wrong..many hit a tech school..and some have great educations..but most....don't have the same level of education you do. (They have less fear of being zapped..that'* all)

With the battery cables. Unhook the negative cable (black boot) first (always). Once that is done.. you are completely safe and have nothing to worry about. Unhook the positive cable (red boot and closest to the radiator). Now wiggle the bolts out of the cables (they are held in by the lip on the boot). And look at the wire and things underneath the boot for white or greenish corrosion.

Put the positive (red) cable back on first. Then the negative (black). You may see a little spark as the black is being put back into position...it'* completely normal and nothing to fear if you hold the cable lower down as you are bringing it back in place.

The starter is a little more involved. One test for it is to crawl under the front of the car with a hammer. Then while someone turns the ignition key to start and holds it there..you uh..tap the starter repeatedly. Of course..in the case of most B'villes..there'* a nice splash shield in the way.

Thanks for the encouragement And thanks for the detailed explanation on cleaning the boots- I did it this morning. But it still won't start, so I'm going to (GULP) replace the starter. My manual has all the instructions, but really crappy pictures. I put it on jack stands and took down the splash guard, but I can't figure out where the starter terminals are :( Is there maybe a good photo lying around that could give me a better idea? Thanks!!

Do you hear a "click" when you turn the key to the start position? If your not hearing a click, your not getting juice to the starter solinoid (sp?)

Please be sure to disconnect the battery before you begin working on the starter.
Thank you.

All of us have zero oil pressure when trying to start. The oil pump doesn't turn until the engine starts.

I would prefer you not shotgun the starter just yet. We need to verify if you're even getting power to the starter and solenoid first (have someone turn the key while someone checks at the starter and solenoid).