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Re: Car will not start , help me figure out why
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Posted by Dana [Email] (#2822) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Dana) on Thu, 2 Oct 2025 08:31:12 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: Car will not start , help me figure out why, seth1065 [Profile/Gallery] , Wed, 1 Oct 2025 10:41:59
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The battery drain is most likely caused by the ISM (key switch), the CIM (column Integration module), and the ECU (engine control module) are still communicating with each other. Normally when you pull out the key in the lock position, a signal from the ISM is sent to the CIM to "go to sleep". At this point the 12V car power drops slowly from about 4 amps down to approximately 5-15 milliamps within about 20 minutes. If the communication does not stop, then the new battery will drain within a couple of days.

You can stop the communication by pulling fuse #2 (the red one, 5 amp) fuse in the drivers side dash fuse box intop left corner of the fuse box. Sometimes you can pull the fuse for 15 minutes, reinsert it which resets the CIM (if that is the problem) so you can start the car.
You can also pull that fuse to stop the power drain each night. You might have to reinsert the key a couple of times to reactivate the communication once the fuse is put back in.

It might be possible to start the car if the steering wheel is not locked and you are able to turn the key to the start position. I.E. the car only does not crank but the dash lights up etc. This is done by a quick shorting of the starter relay power terminals while the key is in the ON position. That relay R8 is located in the main fuse box next to the battery. It is the yellow one, approximately 4-1/2 inches back from the front of the box on center with the box. In pulling the relay you will see the larger relay terminals which are the ones you would short across its box matching terminals momentarily (like you would turn the key to the start position) to energize the starter. This might get you home or to a garage.

In any case you are most likely looking at a ISM or CIM replacement. The CIM requires reprogramming. The ISM is the first easiest step.

Hope it helps some what....

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