I lost the master key to my 2004 pontiac grand prix gtp and when i went to use my spare and it did not start. On my info display it said that starting disabled due to theft deterent or something. So I figured that the key just was never programmed. This isnt the problem. I used my spare key to put my car in neutral and my dad pulled it to the dealership. On the way there a few lights kicked on that i am worried about. My battery charge light, ABS, traction control, and it said service brake system and I think my battery was going dead because my displays were getting dim and the horn was weak. The dealership was closed but i dropped it and the keys off. I am worried that come tomorrow they will charge me for more than just programming the key. Did i hurt anything by pulling it. Will they try to charge me for all that stuff that poped up? If anyone works at a dealership please help me so i can prepare for tomorrow...lol. Serious answers please. Sorry it is sooo long!
2006-12-11 14:15:52 · 6 answers · asked by mdlct05 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i own a repair shop,and if it was an automatic and you pulled it to a dealer ship,,you may have burnt the transmission out of it,,at no time are you ever supposed to pull or tow one that's front wheel drive with the front wheels on the ground,,im serious,you could have done some real damage to the transmission in it,,id have it checked out real good if you went over a mile ,,you may have some serious problems with it now,,it tells you this in the owners manual,,i hope it hasn't hurt it,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-11 14:24:23 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say that any major damage would have been done. Have towed cars for over 45 miles before in neutral and had no ill effects. Sounds like you just need to give the battery a charge and your spare key was probably only a valet key. the valet key does not have the computer chip in it to disengage the theft system so it will start. It seems the most you will have to buy will be a new key(with the chip), and worst case a battery and maybe some labor... not to worry too much.
2006-12-11 22:25:07 · answer #2 · answered by alk99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, it isn't good to just put it in neutral and tow an Automatic. Auto trannies are lubricated by the tranny's pump. This pump is powered by the input shaft of the tranny and thus the engine. If you just put the tranny in neutral, the engine won't be turning so the pump won't be turning... no lubrication of transmission internals. Problems arise because all the rearmost internals are being turned by the driveshaft without lubrication.
of im reading your message right, those lights are the same lights that come on when you turn the ignition to on, but not start, since the vehicle never started those lights will stay on, and most likely your driving lights were on to which may have helped drain the battery. Im not sure how much it is for a dealership to program a key, but dealerships in general cost alot more than a repair shop
-Jess
2006-12-11 22:24:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pass key system did not see your spare key as a good key so it locked it out. Towing the car with the key on set the abs codes as it saw low engine speed high wheel speed.Same for traction light its part of the abs system. As for the alt light it came on about 10 to 15 minutes into the tow right? the pass key system started to learn your spare key as the right key. There are more steps to complete this but your battery seems to be weak. From what you have described it sounds like your going to need a battery 2 new keys the codes all cleared and the pass key system relearned Good luck and hope I helped
2006-12-11 22:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Rudedude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you towed it you very well could have done some damage to the transmission. Even though the transmission is in neutral, you are still forcing the wheels to turn. The vehicle should have been towed with the front wheels off of the ground. Did have have to jump start your car recently? On some vehicles you actually have to reset the alarm in order for it to function properly after a jump. The entire problem could very well be a dead or dying battery. I would have the shop check this option first as it is most likely the cheapest.
2006-12-11 22:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you turn the key on before the car starts the lights come on to show that they are functional. you had the key on to steer so yes they would still be on if the engine is not running. the worst that will come of it is maybe they will have to charge the battery a little.
2006-12-11 22:25:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋