weird starting problem

My 97 Lumina 3.1 has this weird starting problem. Sometimes it starts sometimes it does not. When it does not start, I leave the ignition on wait anywhere from 2-5 min turn it off then it starts right up. If I wait to long then I have to let it seat for about 20 min. It is really driving me crazy if anyone could help, I would really appreciate it.

Well, your not suppost to leave the key turned for more than 15 seconds. Does your engine turn over fine? If so, you might not be getting spark.

As soon as I put the key, in it I try to start it and it does not turn over so I wait with the ignition on and it starts after 2 to 5 min.

Your starter is proberly bad. So after about 2 mintues your engine will finally turn over and start?

If i am correct, Im pretty sure your starter is bad.

I will ask my dad, and see what he says.

Ya sometimes it takes 2 min but most of the time it will take around 5.

I had the same exact problem. I was getting pissed off, then I realized that there was a Security Light that came on. I looked it up in the manual. It turns out that the light either comes on when u use the wrong key, and makes it so you can start the car for 3 minutes, or it tells you the sensor that reads the chip on your key is messed up. It is also possible that your key is dirty or wet or the sensor is dirty. My 5 dollar fix was a can of canned air, sprayed in the key hole a lot, and haven't had a problem since.

You may also want to wipe your key off with some rubbing alcohal, just to make sure it is clean. I hope I helped.

thanks i will give it a try

Forgot to say, if that doesn't work, then you will probobly have to take it to a chevy dealer, and they will probobly charge u an arm and a leg to get it fixed :frown:

ya the guy and chevy said anywhere from 600 to 1300 to fix it

My car is begining to do it again, I think it only does it when it is really humid out :banghead: