97 lumina won't run

my brother just bought a 97 lumina about 2 weeks ago at an auction. it has about 110,000 miles on it. one day while running errands his up and stopped on him. in the process of having it pulled to the house he was able to crank it and drive it to a mechanic(side shop). while the mechanic had the car for 2-3 days the car worked fine. so he got the car drove it home and woke up to go to work the next day to have it not crank at all. the fuel pressure was tested good and the fuel pump too. any suggestions?

Sounds like neutral start switch problem (loose wire at switch or switch itself loose) or bad wire to starter.

ok i was told that these cars have a security key. the one i was given is a plain key. the guy said they unlocked it or something so i would be able to use this plain key. He also said i need to take it to the dealer and get another key made. how much truth is in this?

We'll need some more information on this problem. What happens when it dies? What happens when you try to crank it up? Doesn't sound like a NSS problem, as something is causing the car to die. A PRNDL switch won't cause the vehicle to die, just to not crank. I don't know of any way to "unlock" the security system without extensive panel removal and soldering a resistor to the wires. Way too much work, in my opinion. Once we have more info, we can help you better.

By the sounds of your symptoms, it sounds like a bad crank position sensor, but as Cadgear stated, a better description of the symptoms would assist us in helping you.

Is the check engine light on?
If so, have you had it scanned? what codes?

The mechanic who told you the plain key is no good is WRONG-- that system uses Passlock II which has the resistors in the tumbler- not on the key like he is thinking- that was in prior W car model yrs-- not '97 -- Plus the carhas run with that key in the ignition right? and you have no security light on the dash lit up after 5 seconds of turning ignition on-right? so forget the key idea...

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=355

and check the ignition control modual first...