66dts-v

So about a year ago my car started displaying a Security light and would often not start. It would eventually, but it took some tries.

Went through cleaning the ignition and it didn't help. I bought a security relay and figured that couldn't hurt. From what I read in the PDF that was posted here, the security relay is the one on the right. There are 3 relays across the top of the box.

The relay on the right is unplugged and the harness is tucked on the left side. I found it like this. It's been like this since I bought it 7 years ago, so that seems odd. But that harness doesn't seem to plug into the relay I bought, but does plug into the one on the right.

So what is going on here? I plugged it in and same issue, so I unplugged it.

mmartinez

Can't tell much from your pic, I will say that the security relay you mention is called the TDR "Theft Deterrent Relay", it's socket should have a heavy gauge red, and violet wire and smaller gauge yellow, and yellow/black stripped wires. This is the relay that sends power to energize the starter. Your problem could very well be the part of the ignition switch that contains the spring loaded contacts that press against the resistor pellet in your key. Try a spare key and or spraying the resistor pellet with contact cleaner and inserting and removing the key several times.

66dts-v

My wife's key is brand new and same results. My key is VERY worn, but measures out. I measured the ignition when I had it out as well based on the write up on here.

Please believe I have tried A LOT of things and am now simply replacing ****. I will check the wires when I get home. Thanks.

66dts-v

Mr Curlee spent some time on the phone going through a number of things.

So if it isn't the theft relay, what relay isn't connected?

66dts-v

The 3 relays across the top of the BCM. The one farthest right is unplugged.

mmartinez

When you check the wires I mentioned latter on today, and identify the TDR you should hear it click each and every time you turn the key to the start/crank position. Ok

acroy

does this car have the LMC5 installed??

mmartinez

I would ask that you start a new thread,because this thread has nothing to do with the LMC5.

66dts-v

It does.

mmartinez

Yes it does, but I belive we were talking about why your car does not crank over first time and takes multiple attempts to crank over, that is why you have to verify the TDR is clicking on every single time you turn the key to the start position.

acroy

I think that is why the relay is unplugged. I would suggest disconnecting the battery, make sure the LMC5 is correctly installed, unplug & re-plug basically everything you can to clean the contacts, make sure grounds are clean. If it was my car, that's what I'd so, just start with the basics. I've had 2-3 little gremlins on my low-mile '04 that were solved in this way.
good luck!

66dts-v

Last time I tried to start it, it sounded like the TDR was dying a painful death. My battery is having issues, so it's on the charger. I got a relay from NAPA and will retry when it's charged.

I installed the LMC5 and didn't mess with any of those relays when I did it. It was unplugged since I've owned the car.

66dts-v

Well, I replaced the relay, no more security light and went 3-3 on starts. I just pulled the EBCM so I didn't run it, just bumped the starter.

So if anyone else has this issue, replace the $22 relay before pulling the dash apart to field day the ignition.

acroy

congratulations!