Reconnected battery now it won't start..

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jooman07

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My wife's engine light came on about a month ago so I got my code reader to see what the code was. Turned out it was a bad gas cap seal so after a new gas cap and a month later the light is still on. Its done this before so I did what I did before..unplug the battery for 30 seconds then reconnect. BEFORE everything was fine and the code cleared. This time after reconnecting it, it won't start, the key will not come out of the ignition, you can't put it in neutral to push it anywhere, windows and lock buttons do not work and the remote doesn't work. The dash lights and radio still work when the key is on but it will not turn over. I found a release button on the bottom of the steering column so I can at least pull the key out but the radio still stays on when the key is out and even when you open the door. I can hear the fuel pump kicking on and various other relays come on when the key is turn on but nothing after that. I've been thinking it was something to do with the theft deterrent but I looked all through the manual and no luck. Checked various fuses that might tie into something to start it and all of them are good. Google has been of no help and I searched on here with no luck either. The local Chevy dealer tech said he had never heard of anything like this before. Another dealer would only tell me to bring it in...the cliche answer. I'm at a loss for what to check next..I'm a Ford guy and my wife just HAD to have this Pontiac..so I'm not too familiar with General Motors vehicles. Hopefully I can get some pointers and advice here since nothing else has been of help. Thanks in advance.

2007 Pontiac Torrent
 
I've even tried the leaving the key on for 10 minutes and that doesn't work. The theft light on the dash isn't even blinking at all. The hazards don't work and the brake lights do not come on when you mash the brake pedal. Headlights do not work unless the key is all the way on.
 
You are sure the battery is correctly reconnected and the connection is tight? Assuming you have an automatic transmission have you tried moving the shifter into neutral and tried starting it? Do you have a voltmeter and can check the battery voltage? The key not coming out is related to having to step on brake pedal to release it are you aware of that? The code you are referring to has many other causes than just a gas cap.
 
The car is useless at this point. I've tried putting it neutral but as I said before I can not change the gears, even with the key all the way on and foot on the brake pedal. The battery is connected properly and both terminals are tight with ZERO corrosion. Checked the battery voltage and its reading 13.3 VDC.

There are so many issues with it now it seems to be some sort of module that has been fried. I have done this before to her car with no issues at all.
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Yes I have, I checked various fuses that sound like they might have anything to do with it starting or whatever else. I'm not sure of the specific fuse I should be looking for.
 
Have someone step on the brakes while you check if the brake llights come on, if not your brake switch is not sending a signal to release the interlock for the key and shifter.
 
Like I've said earlier, the brake lights do not come on at all. But what explains the radio still staying on even after the key is out of the ignition and the door is opened? The headlights will not come on UNLESS THE KEY IS ON and the hazards do not work at all. Power locks and windows will not work whatsoever..It has to be more than just brake switch acting up to cause all this.
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Your vehicle has RAP as explained on page 116. It is controlled by the BCM, body control module, and appears to be having an issue. At this point the only way you are going to get this fixed is if you have a Tech II scanner and can run diagnositic tests on the vehicle.
 
That's what I figured. Is there some sort of way to get it to go into neutral since I cant do it the proper way? It would make getting it on the trailer a lot easier. I'm gonna have to use my trucks winch nonetheless, but just want to make it easier if possible considering the situation.
 
And could the RAP keep it from starting? Or would it be the BCM?
 
The BCM is a feature of the RAP, so the problem based on your description, is the BCM.
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is there any sort or safety device in place between the battery and the BCM or any other module besides the fuses?
 
Probably have but I'll try that again just to see. I'm gonna go pick up a Haynes manual and see if i can track this down. If I can track down wiring issues on an Air Force C-130H and C-130J I can probably find it on a car.
 
Update

I realize this is a long shot, but I had this exact same thing happen to me :( Did you figure out what the problem was? And how to fix it?
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The original poster has been on this site for 2 1/2 years. I recommend you start your own thread.
 
jooman07 said:
My wife's engine light came on about a month ago so I got my code reader to see what the code was. Turned out it was a bad gas cap seal so after a new gas cap and a month later the light is still on. Its done this before so I did what I did before..unplug the battery for 30 seconds then reconnect. BEFORE everything was fine and the code cleared. This time after reconnecting it, it won't start, the key will not come out of the ignition, you can't put it in neutral to push it anywhere, windows and lock buttons do not work and the remote doesn't work. The dash lights and radio still work when the key is on but it will not turn over. I found a release button on the bottom of the steering column so I can at least pull the key out but the radio still stays on when the key is out and even when you open the door. I can hear the fuel pump kicking on and various other relays come on when the key is turn on but nothing after that. I've been thinking it was something to do with the theft deterrent but I looked all through the manual and no luck. Checked various fuses that might tie into something to start it and all of them are good. Google has been of no help and I searched on here with no luck either. The local Chevy dealer tech said he had never heard of anything like this before. Another dealer would only tell me to bring it in...the cliche answer. I'm at a loss for what to check next..I'm a Ford guy and my wife just HAD to have this Pontiac..so I'm not too familiar with General Motors vehicles. Hopefully I can get some pointers and advice here since nothing else has been of help. Thanks in advance.

2007 Pontiac Torrent
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Hi did you find out what was wrong with it
 
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