I've seen several postings here and online regarding G6s that would not start w/accompanying "error" message on the odometer. This descriptive account is to document yet another incident to add to those complaints/queries. Few postings here and online (allexperts.com, nyspeed.com, answebag.com, fixya.com, edmunds.com........) have included a follow-up message that described the final source or resolution to this problem. I'm asking for #1 input as to a possible cause of this problem and #2 follow-up postings from others who've had similar issues to include any cause or resolution info.
I have a 2009 G6, and yesterday morning the car would not start. The dash lights came on, the radio display, AC, etc.
When I turned the key to the ignition, there was no sound. When I released the key, all the gauge needles were "pegged", then returned to "0". After a few subsequent tries, I heard a single click but no turning or operation of the starter system. The odometer gauge then displayed "error" rather than the mileage of the car. Every time when I insert the key and turn it on to power, the dash lights up, goes through its regular check, gauge needles "peg"/return to "0" and then the odometer reads "error". Every attempt named below to fix the problem was met with the above response.
We put the battery in a charger with no change in the starting attempt.
We tried to jump the car with no improvement.
We checked the battery poles for corrosion (none) and the contact w/cables (no improvement).
We removed the battery and inserted a known working 12v battery, no change.
I did some research and found here and other online query sites from other G6 owners with different scenarios but basically the same end result (it won't start with "error" on the odometer). Very few answers or follow-up info on what the problems were. One owner changed his battery, and it was fixed. Others tried new batteries and starters with no resolution. One had a negative battery cable replaced, with the problem resurfacing about 2 wks later, and the dealer had no answers. I have had no aftermarket items installed on my car.
In a similar discussion, one member suggested "resetting" the security system by setting off the alarm and then using the car key to turn off the alarm (lock the car from the inside, then manually unlock the car and open the door). The one way I know I can set off my alarm is to use the remote to lock the car, then use my key to unlock the car. The first attempt did not set off the alarm. Upon 2nd attempt, the alarm started, albeit very muffled, then sounded at a normal volume level. I noted the rapid security indicator on the dash and went to "disable" the alarm by inserting my key into the ignition. The alarm did not abate. Took several minutes jiggling the key in the ignition, not sure what finally silenced the alarm.
Upon removing the key, reinserting it, and attempting to start the car, the "error" message returned to the odometer. By this time, the battery seemed to have been drained and reattached to the jumper battery. When power is restored to the dash and radio display, the same response to starting attempt ("error" on the odometer, single or double click upon turning the key to ignition, pegging, and returning to "0" on all gauges). By this point, I'm getting "fuel low", "airbag requires service", and no tire pressure readings.
I understand some folks think reprogramming of the ECM (as long as the BCM is working) might help the issue.
Who else has this happened to (regardless of the year of your car)? What were the dealer's explanations/resolutions?
Many thanks
