Intermittent start problems
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 927
Likes: 62
From: Lake Elmo, MN, USA MN
Intermittent start problems
My Vette will start intermittently. I turn the key and everything is working (lights, clock) but the starter switch is dead. Nothing happens and all of a sudden it will connect and fire up. Is it the starter, selnoid (sp), or the key switch. The battery is fully charged. Or what else?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,696
Likes: 3,090
From: Cottonwood AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
My Vette will start intermittently. I turn the key and everything is working (lights, clock) but the starter switch is dead. Nothing happens and all of a sudden it will connect and fire up. Is it the starter, selnoid (sp), or the key switch. The battery is fully charged. Or what else?
Watching with interest as my L72 suddenly started the same thing. I have a new engine and main wiring harness.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,449
Likes: 2,627
From: Really Central IL Illinois
If there was a click and no starter, it could be the solenoid. The copper washer gets pitted and won't send power to engage the starter. Also a weak/bad battery or battery connection can cause the starter not to engage even though the lights work. All connections including at the battery posts should be checked and cleaned - positive and ground. Betting on the battery post connections. Will it start if you jump it with another battery and jumper cables?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 719
From: Fairfax, Virginia
I had this happen to me a few years ago with the same symptoms you describe. (67 BB) I took a shot and replaced the ignition switch with a new one and have not had it happen since replacing the switch.
Not saying that's what it is, but my 2 cents. Good Luck with it. C.J.
Not saying that's what it is, but my 2 cents. Good Luck with it. C.J.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 2,872
From: Western Massachusetts
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
Does this "all of a sudden" occur while you have the key in the crank position? There is a pause and then it goes? Or do you release from crank and try again and it starts?
I've had several ignition switches fail to make ignition hot in crank, just plumb worn out, but it may as easily be pitted solenoid contacts.
Dan
I've had several ignition switches fail to make ignition hot in crank, just plumb worn out, but it may as easily be pitted solenoid contacts.
Dan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 927
Likes: 62
From: Lake Elmo, MN, USA MN
Intermitten start problem
Dan, I crank on the starter for about 5 minutes. Then the ignition is totally dead. I try the starter and it is dead.. I release the starter key and it is dead, again. Then all of a sudden it connects and cranks over.
Tomorrow, I'll check the cables for corrosion and clean them up. I may have to order a new ignition switch.....
Thanks to everyone for the advice...
Tomorrow, I'll check the cables for corrosion and clean them up. I may have to order a new ignition switch.....
Thanks to everyone for the advice...
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 588
Likes: 41
From: Ohio
h
Had this issue last year. Next time it happens (doing nothing in the start position) look at amp gauge.See if amp gauge pegs to discharge side while you are trying to crank it. If it does that is telling you your ignition switch and electrical connections are working correctly. In that case it is probably the starter solenoid. it was for me..
Had this issue last year. Next time it happens (doing nothing in the start position) look at amp gauge.See if amp gauge pegs to discharge side while you are trying to crank it. If it does that is telling you your ignition switch and electrical connections are working correctly. In that case it is probably the starter solenoid. it was for me..
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 2,872
From: Western Massachusetts
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
h
Had this issue last year. Next time it happens (doing nothing in the start position) look at amp gauge.See if amp gauge pegs to discharge side while you are trying to crank it. If it does that is telling you your ignition switch and electrical connections are working correctly. In that case it is probably the starter solenoid. it was for me..
Had this issue last year. Next time it happens (doing nothing in the start position) look at amp gauge.See if amp gauge pegs to discharge side while you are trying to crank it. If it does that is telling you your ignition switch and electrical connections are working correctly. In that case it is probably the starter solenoid. it was for me..
Based on OP's reply I hereby condemn the starter/solenoid. Likely open circuit after getting hot from the crank. Could still be ignition switch. But when I was a kid living among old Chevys we replaced hoards of starters. I cannot remember replacing a ignition switch.
Dan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 927
Likes: 62
From: Lake Elmo, MN, USA MN
intermitten starter
Just removed the chrome cover over the distributor and coil. I found a large crack In the coil. Replaced the coil and seems to work better.... I'll drive it more tomorrow.
Thanks for all the ideas....
Thanks for all the ideas....
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0