Starts then dies

[96grandam2.4]

Hey guys need some help here.
1996 GRAND AM SE 2.4 AUTO.

The other day i had to install a new bulb in the inst cluster.
I didn't unplug the cluster itself only the acc items that prevent me from removing the dash/ bezel cover to access the cluster.

So anyways i install bulb it wasn't locked in properly, so i had to turn key on to move shifter out of the way to remove the dash cover, had to do this twice actually, bulb wasn't cooperating.
So i turn on lights to verify if the bulb works before i reinstall everything, and for some stupid reason i tried starting the car to power everything up, and all it did was start and die 2 sec later, i was like OK no biggie.

So i install everything and go to start it again, and it starts and dies 2 sec later, and that's whats its been doing for the last several days.

I tried to start it again tonight when i got home, and the battery would not even click, i checked the voltage it was at 10.5, the dome light and other lights real dim.

So my question, could a bad battery keep my motor from running once started or am i looking at something else here?

When i have the key on, all the instrument lights are on, none are flashing, and i don't have a scanner to check for codes, so what could be the problem?


I ask about the battery because i owned a 98 blazer and when the battery was on its way out, it made things go haywire with the electrical system with it.

 

[Kevlar]

Ok, if your problem started after the bulb replacement then you need to retrace your steps because you've probably pulled a wire here or there which may have exposed a connector enough to short out or affect your ignition and drain your battery.

You probably should have your battery charged and checked at your local O'Reily's, they do it for free in my neighborhood. That will prove or rule out the bad battery question. Once your have a charged battery, if you still have a problem then it is likely a result of the bulb change as mentioned above.

 

[96grandam2.4]

Thanks for the response.
I took my battery into Oriellys today, turned out to be a bad cell, so bought a new one.

I installed it, and tried to start and the same thing, it starts and dies again.

I think me trying to start it previously burned up the battery, it was old anyways.

I'm really stumped, if the theft light was flashing that would at least point me in a direction, but its not.

I guess i will tear the dash apart and inspect, but i really don't see how a pulled wire would keep my motor from running, i could see it keeping it from starting, but to kill it while it is running has me scratching my head.

 

[melsg5]

have you checked all the fuse boxes for a blown fuse?

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[96grandam2.4]

Yes, that was the first thing i checked.
I an wondering about something tho..
I turned the car on tonight, and when the key is on and all the lights light up, they don't go out like their supposed to, then i also noticed my high indicator light is barely lit.
And for the two sec's the motor runs, the tach will not move.

I wonder if my cluster if FUBAR?
Isn't the cluster part of the security system?

 

[96grandam2.4]

Alrighty i have a update.
I went to the JY today and found a cluster out of a 97 Pontiac Grand Am SE.
Got her home, took the old one out, installed the new one, and i noticed immediately most the dash lights came on then turned off, and even the shifter light indicator was on, before it was off.
The theft light flashed for a bit, so i let it flash till it stayed on, then turned off the ignition, and restarted, and she fired right up.

So apparently these clusters are pretty fragile, least this one was.

Hope this helps somebody out.

 

[melsg5]

Glad you got it fixed and the lesson I believe is always disconnect the battery before tearing into anything electrically related even a light bulb.

 

[96grandam2.4]

I agree, i think i will start doing that.
Didn't think it would be an issue to change one silly bulb, but that's how it went.

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