1997 Oldsmobile Aurora Gold from North America - Comments

Radiator leaked and had to be replaced. Am still wondering why at times it won't start and says "clean key and wait 3 minutes". Tried cleaning key etc and it still happens. Am not to thrilled about taking it in and paying someone $1000 to fix this problem. It has not stranded me yet, but gets cold waiting 3 minutes 3 times in a row in WI winters.

The Aurora is the most comfortable, luxurious car I have ever driven or rode in. I love all the options, and think it beats the most expensive Cadillacs's. I am thinking of getting an Olds SUV now. I am spoiled with all the options.

Its quick and handles wonderful.

Your non-starting problem is due to malfunctioning VATS (anti-theft) system. Your key has a resistor built into it which the system has to read in order to allow the car to start.

Try getting a replacement key at a locksmith that is able to duplicate VATS keys (places like Home Depot are NOT equipped to do this). It's a lot more expensive than a regular key (like $30-$35) but still much cheaper than the repair figure you were quoted!

Yes, I did try the extra key we have, and it still doesn't work properly. We did take some sand paper and go inside the ignition switch a ways (wrapped the paper on the key) and shined up the contact points. That made it work great for 2 weeks with no problem, now I am starting to have the problem again, so I don't think that was all of it. Any other suggestions?

Yes. Don't do that again! The electronics inside your

ignition are VERY sensitive. Putting sandpaper inside

your ignition made me and a few hundred other people

cringe. Take it to the dealership.

I have a '95 Aurora that has the same starting problem, but I get no "Key" errors displayed (perhaps the '95 doesn't display this error?). I have noticed the "Security" light over the dash. Could this be the same thing?? Thanks.

I have the same problem with starting on my ’97 Aurora as described previously. I will offer a little more detail concerning my problem, which is very sporadic. I have gone months with no problem and then it will happen several days in a row. Sometimes I get the “wait three minutes and retry” message, most of the time not. It always eventually starts after repeated tries. At each attempt to start I can hear a relay engaging under the rear seat. My visit to the dealer resulted in a new starter ($400). The very first time I tried to start it after leaving the dealership it failed. I walked back to the dealership and asked them to tow it in. Of course when they went to pick it up, it started right up. They kept the car for weeks trying to replicate the problem several times a day. It never failed. I have experienced the same problem with different keys. Any additional ideas would be appreciated.

I just recently bought my 97 Aurora and I love the car I thought that I would never replace my 87 Cutlass, but it had other ideas. I too am having the security light problems and the "wait 3 minute issue". I thought it might be because my engine has been rebuilt and the car sat for two years after the rebuild. The dealership suggests a new key and quoted the same $1000.00 bill to review the computer board with regards to the security light. The car runs with awesome results, but the security issue is a concern as it only seems to happen after getting fuel with a line up for my pump. It sucks the cool right out of you.

I am having problems with my lights blinking on and off.

The car makes a humming noise under the dash and the lights blink on and off.

It even does this when it is not running. Any suggestions?

While driving, try switching on high beam. After shutting off engine, switch off the high beam. I found this works on my 96 Aurora, the noise is gone.

1996 aurora-problem backup lights don't work. is there a fuse or relaY that needs to be checked? if so, where is it located thanks? db.

ALSO, EVERY TIME I TAKE CAR INTO A SPECIALITY SHOP THEY SAY THE MOTORMOUNTYS NEED REPLACING. OTHER DEALERS SAY NO PROBLEM. WHAT GIVES?

I just bought my wife the 97 aurora and it seems you guys are happy with yours besides the key problem. over all is it a reliable car?

Regarding the resistor key ignition. I have a 95 Aurora that has been in the family a long time. (over 200k miles) It's a great automobile, however the 3 minute security wait can be embarrassing. I will tell you how I corrected it with two (2) cautions.

1. Don't do this if you are not handy

2. Don't do this if you reside in a high crime area.

First, obtain a 3k low wattage resistor from Radio Shack or other electronics parts house.

Remove the heavy, rubber like, black grommet surrounding the key entry hole in the steering column. This can be removed with some encouragement without damage.

Remove the bakelite hard ring under the grommet.

You will see a circular clear plastic disc with two small gage wires coming from the disc. Do not pull, stretch or break these wires but cut them off of the disc leaving you the most wire possible.

Solder the two wire to the ends of the resistor (3000 ohms).

When cool, wrap the entire assembly with good non-conducting tape.

Carefully tuck this assembly back into the steering column and replace both the bake light ring and the twist grommet.

You will not have the 3 minute delay, however you will also not have the complete security system. The security system is not needed by me. Good luck.

I just bought my 97 Aurora (July 22nd) and have been reading a lot of comments about the car which it seems that the car has a lot of problems. Is this true? I am starting to get worried that I bought a car that I am going to regret. I thought that it was a beautiful car and it only has 77,438 miles on it. Can anyone tell me if I made a mistake?