Car will not start, at wits end:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 17
From: Appling GA
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Car will not start, at wits end:
I have a 72 coupe/automatic 350ci. Car was driving fine parked it one night and the following morning would not start. Checked bat voltage connections and the like, no change could not even hear a click. Lifted car and tapped the bat with a rubber mallet and car started...thought problem was solved or at least thought the starter was dying. Turned car off and would not start, tried rubber mallet again and no luck. I replaced the starter which I tested first assuming it was bad or the solenoid. Car still will not start. I have sense replaced the neutral safety switch which did not improve my situation. Prior to replacing the ignition switch assembly which looks very difficult thought I would ask for some advice or pointers...thanks in advance for any assistance...Mike 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
As gve pointed out, the ground cable from the battery to the frame gets corrosion on it, and also check the cable from the frame (Rt motor mount) to the block.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 20
From: Angleton, Tx
If you are not getting any sound from the solenoid engaging, you need to check power going to starter. I'm not that familiar with the '72 but my '75 wiring diagram shows a starter override relay. Is it possible the '72 has another relay also. May want to check it out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
Charge battery at least 8 hours at 5 /6 amp, then check voltage / amperage with starter.If OK, check battery voltage at idle to see if alternator recharges or not ( you should have between 13,4 and 14,5 volts ).
You could also have a device pumping current all the time and discharging slowly the battery...
If i were you, I would pick up the battery from another car in my garage, remove or disconnect the Vette battery, and try to crank it with the other one. This would definitely determine if it is the source of the problem... or not.
Last edited by 73StreetRace; Jul 29, 2009 at 07:51 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Neutral start switch right on the edge of working/not working? Put key in the ignition, turn to start; if nothing happens, keep the key turned fully to the START position while jostling the tranny shift lever [in either Park or Neutral]. If you get some cranking, that's your problem. If not...and you have voltage going to the start solenoid (you'll have to connect lead from your voltmeter to the start signal connector on the solenoid to be certain of that)....your starter solenoid is kaput.
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Team Owner
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From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
I have a 72 coupe/automatic 350ci. Car was driving fine parked it one night and the following morning would not start. Checked bat voltage connections and the like, no change could not even hear a click. Lifted car and tapped the bat with a rubber mallet and car started...thought problem was solved or at least thought the starter was dying. Turned car off and would not start, tried rubber mallet again and no luck. I replaced the starter which I tested first assuming it was bad or the solenoid. Car still will not start. I have sense replaced the neutral safety switch which did not improve my situation. Prior to replacing the ignition switch assembly which looks very difficult thought I would ask for some advice or pointers...thanks in advance for any assistance...Mike
seems a good check of cables and bat would be in order
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 17
From: Appling GA
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
I did not hit the Bat Box...I actually tapped the starter to see if it was frozen...it worked once tapping the starter caseing. I have received lots of good advice some of which I have already done but I intend to go through the entire system this weekend..radio, lights, buzzers all working fine....seems to be isolated to the ignition/starter...MJP
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
i know my N safety switch isnt adjusted quite right.
sometimes i have to tap the stick and it starts right up.
i am thinking about pulling a bubba and just grounding the wire so it starts regardless.
of course then i can see myself reaching in to start the car thinking i am in P and realizing too late that it is in R.
i am not that fast of a runner
sometimes i have to tap the stick and it starts right up.
i am thinking about pulling a bubba and just grounding the wire so it starts regardless.
of course then i can see myself reaching in to start the car thinking i am in P and realizing too late that it is in R.
i am not that fast of a runner
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 7
From: Space Coast Florida
All of my electrical's work too. When I turn the key to start I get a clicking *edit a click, '1 click'* coming from the starter and that's all. Battery is fully charged, everything else electrical is working. Was having trouble keeping car started before this happened, is there a correlation?
Is the starter done? It looks kinda rusty and is original.. Again I'm really glad you made this thread because I'd be making it if not.
Is the starter done? It looks kinda rusty and is original.. Again I'm really glad you made this thread because I'd be making it if not.
Last edited by 21boy; Jul 30, 2009 at 06:31 PM.
