blainelocklair

Hello everyone,

I adjusted the #4 spark plug wire, and since then, the Vette won't start anymore (unrelated, I believe). Here's a video of what's happening:



I checked the two fusible links by the starter and confirmed continuity with a DMM. Also had the battery tested at O'Reilly Auto and it passed just fine, having been installed in 12/2016. The car has had some slow cranking issues over the last couple of months, but never just flat-out stopped cranking at all.

Any idea what's causing this condition? It's not the usual "click-click-click" one gets when their battery is nearly dead. Everything works fine electrically insider just no start. It sounds the buzzer when I turn the key, but nothing else.

Thanks!
Blaine

Big2Bird

ignition switch, alarm relay, nuetral safety switch, starter solenoid, bad wire/connection.
That's the full list, and could be any of them.

terry82

did you check with a test light to the starter. I would check the wire harness plug in behind the passenger side head.that connector burns out.

vbgod1

Like Terry said, check the small purple wire at the starter while turning the key. If not, you need to start back tracing the wires to find out where the power stops.

blainelocklair

Hi everyone,

Quick question: would the ignition module in the distributor causing no crank condition? Or, would it just causing no start condition due to the lack of spark? I've replaced the starter and solenoid and done some wire tracing, and I just want to rule out a dizzy problem if that's the case.

Thanks!
Blaine

speedreed8

No probably not. Try putting shifter in neutral and see if it will start.

blainelocklair

Hi speedreed8,

Doesn't start in neutral or park. I'm getting clicks from the relays at the shifter and in the engine bay. Something got hosed when I reconnected that loose spark plug wire on the passenger side. With a new starter in place, I'm guessing it's something electrical at this point.

Thanks!
Blaine

speedreed8

There is a connector plug to the starter on the passenger side in the engine bay near the distributor. Check it for corrosion inside. Should have some red wires and purple wire.

blainelocklair

Hello again,

It's probably me being blind as a bat, but do you have a picture of the connector? I don't know why, but I just don't see it. I'll be sure to get my glasses checked in the morning.

Thanks!
Blaine

speedreed8

Also check the neg. battery cable under the car where it bolts to the frame for a good ground.

7t9l82

exactly correct. This is a common problem.these cars have aluminum ground cables that corrode .those side terminal batteries will also leak and miraculously the acid finds the way into the cable jacket. Why General Motors ever thought that was a good idea is beyond me. I had that problem on a new 78 corvette my current 79 a then 1 yr old 84 Montecarlo SS a 2 yr old 85 IROC Z a 95 impala SS and a new 2002 Z/28. This is what Law Enforcement calls Clues.

blainelocklair

Good morning, everyone.

Found the purple and red wire harness in the engine bay coming from the starter. A wiring loom covered them up and threw me off just a bit. Here is what I found at the plug.

speedreed8

let us know if it helps after you clean it up...
some members have even cut out the plug and reconnected the wires straight to each other. plug is only there so the assembly line can connect it quickly.

bikemiser

sounds like alarm starter interlock relay, try unlocking drivers door with key.

speedreed8

i thought the starter interrupt relay was introduced on the 81 and later models. i could be wrong.

blainelocklair

Closing the loop on this. It was the neutral safety switch. Taken care of. Thanks again to everyone for their inputs and assistance!

- Blaine