Won't start after thermostat change
 

A few weeks ago my 8's temp would start rising under load. When it was cold outside the dummy gauge would stay just below half even under heavy load. Now that the weather turned warm it would stay a notch over half so I didn't redline unless it was a chilly morning. I figured I'd change the thermostat and change coolant. Now after it's back together it won't start so I can bleed the air out. The starter doesn't even engage. Checked all connectors and wires and everything looks good. Another thing to add... I did this over the course of a few days. My key was about to fall out of the holder. one little pin was all that was holding it so I had taken it apart and epoxied the key back in place. Maybe the key is the problem?

Also never let the battery in the remote come out of it's place. Again maybe the key? I know you can screw circuit boards with your fingers without knowing it.

Is there a key light flashing on your dash?

Also have you done any looking into it? Or simply asking for ideas? Just trying to get a start point.

Key unlocks doors. Key light comes on slow flash (As it does when nothing in the switch). Switch to on position and flashes faster. All other lights that come on normally are on too. Never really studied it before to see if it done this at the on position.

I've searched around and haven't found anything. Just trying to avoid a tow to the dealer. It had no start problems before changing the thermostat. Kinda strange so that's why I'm leaning towards the key issue. Was wondering if it was screwed when I half ass fixed it, would it still unlock doors prime the pump and everything else but roll the starter.

just read that it doesn't even crank.

does it at least "click" ?

the key light on dash keep flashing ? if it does, ur key is bad.

I heard clicking from the relay but not to the starter. If it were the key would it still do this? As I said before, all lights are on at start up like before and I have seen the anti theft before but really haven't watched how it behaved between the acc and on pos.

I will assume this is a smart key system?

If the key light is flashing rapidly you have a security issue. Your having a registration error either in the key itself, keyless/immobilizer module, or key battery is dead (smart key)

Do you have a second key available? If so does it start the car? Reason I ask is the system requires 2 keys to be programmed to the unit, test battery for 3V or more, replaced battery if needed and if that doesnt work your key is likely toast and will need to go to a dealer for programming.

I don't have a second key and the battery is good. Thanks for the input fellas. I'll head to the dealer soon for a new key.

Okay, someone likely lost the other but it is still registered to the vehicle, make sure they keep it registered if your only buying 1 new key. If they delete the registration you will need to purchase a second key.

Forgot to update! The reason the temp needle was staying slightly elevated was the thermostat and it wouldn't start because of the key tampering. The dealership cut a new one, replaced the back panel on the remote and reprogramed it. Doing that and bleeding the air out of the coolant since I couldn't start it only cost me $102!