C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

No power

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 11:35 PM
  #1  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default No power

Ive got a '94, I started it up, backed down the driveway, remembered I forgot something, so I pulled it back up the driveway, turned the car off, when I came back out and tried to start it, nothing. It wont turn over, no clicking noise, nothing. Im 99.9% sure the battery is good, it just came off the tender, besides that, it just started minutes ago. I have no idea whats wrong, hopefully somebody can help.

The only thing I keep thinking, is when I went inside I didnt close the driver door all the way, and I took the keys with me. Wouldve that caused the security system to shut the car down? The alarm didnt set itself or go off though, so I dont know if Im just grasping at straws.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what might be wrong. I'll be honest, I dont know a ton about cars, but Im willing to try whatever.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 02:07 AM
  #2  
Mohammed_z's Avatar
Mohammed_z
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 48
From: Saudi Arabia
Default

lights come on when turn ignition ?

auto/manual, if auto maybe you didn't put it on Park and if manual maybe you didn't press the clutch

check battery terminals if there is a lose connection.

sorry if I couldn't help , just few thoughts and stuff that happens sometimes
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 07:24 AM
  #3  
papasanc4's Avatar
papasanc4
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by FeJ9
Ive got a '94, I started it up, backed down the driveway, remembered I forgot something, so I pulled it back up the driveway, turned the car off, when I came back out and tried to start it, nothing. It wont turn over, no clicking noise, nothing. Im 99.9% sure the battery is good, it just came off the tender, besides that, it just started minutes ago. I have no idea whats wrong, hopefully somebody can help.

The only thing I keep thinking, is when I went inside I didnt close the driver door all the way, and I took the keys with me. Wouldve that caused the security system to shut the car down? The alarm didnt set itself or go off though, so I dont know if Im just grasping at straws.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what might be wrong. I'll be honest, I dont know a ton about cars, but Im willing to try whatever.
Recently got 92 with same problem. Car would eventually start and then happen again.

Turned out to be badly made key copy from Ace Hardware. (locksmith confirmed) New key made...no problem since.

Good luck!
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 07:51 AM
  #4  
Frizlefrak's Avatar
Frizlefrak
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Default

Security light staying on when you turn key to crank? VATS.

Clean the pellet on the key with a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol. Wait 5 minutes, car should restart just fine. If problem persists, try another key...have a new one made with the correct 1-15 VATS code (locksmith can measure your old one).
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 10:43 AM
  #5  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for trying to help me out guys.

No lights come one at all, its like the car is totally dead. No security light, no brake lights, no under the hood lights, etc. It is an automatic and its in Park. The battery connection is the first thing i checked, everything looks good. I havent had any new keys made, Im using the original key and the only one I have.

This is really blowing my mind as to what it could be, I dont have a clue. If any one has any other suggestions, Im all ears. I dont even know where to look next.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 11:51 AM
  #6  
92ragtop's Avatar
92ragtop
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 222
From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
Default

Batteries don't always die slowly. Does your voltmeter register anything? Have the battery checked at a shop.

Oh, and have a second key made ASAP. I will cost you a whole lot more later, if you lose the original.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 01:29 PM
  #7  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 92ragtop
Batteries don't always die slowly. Does your voltmeter register anything? Have the battery checked at a shop.

Oh, and have a second key made ASAP. I will cost you a whole lot more later, if you lose the original.
Thanks, I will have the battery checked. I hooked the tender back up to it and it says the battery is fully charged, but who knows. I dont have any other options anyway, I really dont know what to do. You cant even scan a car with no signs of any power, can you?
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 01:33 PM
  #8  
Mohammed_z's Avatar
Mohammed_z
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 48
From: Saudi Arabia
Default

Originally Posted by FeJ9
Thanks, I will have the battery checked. I hooked the tender back up to it and it says the battery is fully charged, but who knows. I dont have any other options anyway, I really dont know what to do. You cant even scan a car with no signs of any power, can you?
I don't think you can scan it.

first thing I'd do is changing the battery. It has a warranty right ?

and you can check all fuses.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 01:36 PM
  #9  
92LRC's Avatar
92LRC
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
Default

Try the alternator. I had a problem similar on my 92 and it turned out to be the alt not charging properly.

One time I had a full charge on the battery (from a batt charger), car started fine, I drove it about a mile and all the accessories started failing and my volts reading on the dash dropped to 9. I limped back home and replaced the alt and the issue has never happened again.

Good luck
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 02:17 PM
  #10  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 92LRC
Try the alternator. I had a problem similar on my 92 and it turned out to be the alt not charging properly.

One time I had a full charge on the battery (from a batt charger), car started fine, I drove it about a mile and all the accessories started failing and my volts reading on the dash dropped to 9. I limped back home and replaced the alt and the issue has never happened again.

Good luck
Thanks, I will try that if the battery tests out good. How hard is it to replace the alt myself? I have very little patience when it comes to working on cars .
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 02:57 PM
  #11  
Mohammed_z's Avatar
Mohammed_z
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 48
From: Saudi Arabia
Default

Originally Posted by FeJ9
Thanks, I will try that if the battery tests out good. How hard is it to replace the alt myself? I have very little patience when it comes to working on cars .

make sure you check the alternator plug , I had the same problem and it was only a broken plug.

changing alternator is an easy job, less than an hour
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2011 | 04:15 PM
  #12  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Mohammed_z
make sure you check the alternator plug , I had the same problem and it was only a broken plug.

changing alternator is an easy job, less than an hour
Okay, thanks. Now I just have to find a little bit of time to figure things out. Im going to take the battery to be tested tomorrow, then go from there.

I really appreciate the responses, hopefully I'll figure this out.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 10:50 AM
  #13  
FeJ9's Avatar
FeJ9
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Default

Just an update. I unhooked the battery, then hooked it right back up without removing it, as I was tightening the postitive side, the lights under the hood came on. I tried starting it up, everything died again with one turn of the key. I tightened down the positive side tighter than I ever have, lights came back on, it started right up.

Does anyone think I need new hook ups, or is it possible they just came loose? Ive had the car for 6 years and Ive never had this happen before.

I just want to thank everyone for the suggestions. I feel like a dummy since all I had to do was tighten the battery down, but I did hand check them and they were still on tight enough to where I couldnt budge them. I am a little skeptical about taking it anywhere right now, but I guess it'll be okay. I'll make sure to bring a wrench with me. Im just glad it was a cheap easy fix, so far.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 11:02 AM
  #14  
j-vette's Avatar
j-vette
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,041
Likes: 2
From: EOF ★ Kaliforniastan ★
St. Jude Donor '10
Default

Originally Posted by FeJ9
Just an update. I unhooked the battery, then hooked it right back up without removing it, as I was tightening the postitive side, the lights under the hood came on. I tried starting it up, everything died again with one turn of the key. I tightened down the positive side tighter than I ever have, lights came back on, it started right up.

Does anyone think I need new hook ups, or is it possible they just came loose? Ive had the car for 6 years and Ive never had this happen before.

I just want to thank everyone for the suggestions. I feel like a dummy since all I had to do was tighten the battery down, but I did hand check them and they were still on tight enough to where I couldnt budge them. I am a little skeptical about taking it anywhere right now, but I guess it'll be okay. I'll make sure to bring a wrench with me. Im just glad it was a cheap easy fix, so far.
That's the best kind!

Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 11:15 AM
  #15  
Nick DL's Avatar
Nick DL
Drifting
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 3
From: Souderton Pa.
Default

I had a similar problem with mine. The battery was not bolted down tight enough and caused enough vibration to loosen the battery connection. The weird thing was that when you played with the wires they seemed tight as anything, put the socket on and give a slight twist, connection was all good. Glad that you got her fixed. For a little piece of mind, put a wrench in the back of the car just in case it happens again.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 12:00 PM
  #16  
Sweet 90's Avatar
Sweet 90
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,030
Likes: 10
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Default

Originally Posted by Nick DL
I had a similar problem with mine. The battery was not bolted down tight enough and caused enough vibration to loosen the battery connection. The weird thing was that when you played with the wires they seemed tight as anything, put the socket on and give a slight twist, connection was all good. Glad that you got her fixed. For a little piece of mind, put a wrench in the back of the car just in case it happens again.
Good point, I carry one in my centre console and IIRC it's a 10mm.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 02:40 PM
  #17  
87Vetteowner's Avatar
87Vetteowner
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
Default

My 87 once did it , come to find out, dropping your keys in saltwater isnt good. I dried them off on my shirt by wiping them dry. It refused to start or do anything until I took them and washed them off. All the lights came on, the starter turned and car started right up. Probably increased the resistance of my pellet. I was terrified, But since then not a similar problem.

This is one of the 3 or 4 dozen topics that seem to recur on here. Starting issues due to the key being bad or dirty..

I have an extra spare key at the home all the time, in case it happens again.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 03:00 PM
  #18  
92LRC's Avatar
92LRC
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
Default

Originally Posted by FeJ9
Thanks, I will try that if the battery tests out good. How hard is it to replace the alt myself? I have very little patience when it comes to working on cars .
It's gotta be easy if an idiot like me can do it.

1- disco the batt neg
2- remove/loosen belt
3- disco alt connector
4- remove/loosen alt bolts
5- remove/replace alt
6- do the reverse

I may have left something off but it's pretty much all common sense and right up top where it's easy to get to. Of allthe things I've doneon this car, the alt was about the easiest.

Good luck
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 04:44 PM
  #19  
GreyGhost's Avatar
GreyGhost
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 4
From: Allentown, Pa
Default

Originally Posted by Sweet 90
Good point, I carry one in my centre console and IIRC it's a 10mm.
I keep the basic tools, wrapped up in a towel and put under the storage bin behind the passenger seat, the storage in there, goes almost down to the passenger seat, lots of room actually for stuff.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To No power





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:43 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE