Bad Ignition Switch???
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Bad Ignition Switch???
OK I just got my vette today which was working great when I tested it out and all of a sudden the ignition doesn't crank at times. I will have to turn the key anywhere from 2 to 6+ times and it will finally crank. Once the ignition cranks it turns on quickly so I'm pretty sure its not an engine or battery problem. My question to you is....is this a bad ignition switch or is it a sign of a much bigger problem? If it is the switch is changing it an expensive repair or is it something I can do on my own with a part from the auto parts store? Any help or info would be appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
You have worn contacts inside the starter motor. At the end of the starter solenoid stroke, two large copper contacts are forced together which switch 12v to the starter motor. These contacts get pitted and blackened from switching the 100+ amps of starter motor current and eventually don't make a low enough resistance to pass the large starter motor current. Hitting crank over and over, you bang some of the black crap off and finally make a good connection. You can remove the starter and take the starter apart and replace the contacts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 32
From: Coldville
You have worn contacts inside the starter motor. At the end of the starter solenoid stroke, two large copper contacts are forced together which switch 12v to the starter motor. These contacts get pitted and blackened from switching the 100+ amps of starter motor current and eventually don't make a low enough resistance to pass the large starter motor current. Hitting crank over and over, you bang some of the black crap off and finally make a good connection. You can remove the starter and take the starter apart and replace the contacts.
You might get luck and it may just be a loose connection to the starter.
You can replaced the contacts but a new starter is so cheap you could just repace it for around $60.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 1
From: Woodbridge Virginia
Man!!!
You don't mention what year yet you supply what what you think is wrong. No wonder you don't get any replies. Mine did the same thing when I first bought it and I will admit that being new I what some what worried only to find that the damn floor mat was being bunched up under the clutch on my Collectors Edition. How's that for a chuckle for you old timers. Done that?
Olcrusty
Olcrusty
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Your right I forgot to mention it's an 86 C4. That being said after some reading in the service manual I saw it could be the battery. Ends up the screw in the positve terminal was stripped and it was not making good contact. Changed out the screw, got a new battery (it had a month left for warranty free replacement), and cleaned out the terminal. The car runs like a champ now. I don't have to tell you how much fun I'm having. Thanks guys for the input and I 'm sorry about not providing enough info, damn newbie mistakes. LOL
