Won't start
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge California
Won't start
Just lately the C4 won't start at the worst times. It runs great but every now and then it just won't start. If I wait a few minutes it starts and runs great. I took it to a dealership and they can't find anything wrong other than wanting to swap out the computer because no lights come up on the dash. Is there any one out there having the same problem or that can help? 1996 LT1 auto trans
Last edited by mrmemo; Aug 15, 2012 at 10:31 AM. Reason: more info
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Just a quick tip that will go a long ways when you request help with your car.
Not all C4's were created equal. They had a 13 year model run, so there are huge differences between a 1984 and 1996.
And since you don't list what year you have, it makes it hard for others to help you.
Always give as much detail as you can about your car.
Year, transmission, etc.
Not all C4's were created equal. They had a 13 year model run, so there are huge differences between a 1984 and 1996.
And since you don't list what year you have, it makes it hard for others to help you.
Always give as much detail as you can about your car.
Year, transmission, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,324
Likes: 1,140
From: Vermilion OH
guess i can add more fuel to that description fire. add as many details as possible when asking technical questions about your C4. as RollaMo-LT4 said, there were many different versions available. the C4 went through three different intake and fuel systems:
84: L83 aka Crossifre
85-91: L98 aka Tune Port Injection
92-96 LT1
96 LT4 (optional engine only equipped with a 6spd manual trans and only available in 1996)
with each version came improvements and refinements.. and with those came more electronics and even more power.
84: L83 aka Crossifre
85-91: L98 aka Tune Port Injection
92-96 LT1
96 LT4 (optional engine only equipped with a 6spd manual trans and only available in 1996)
with each version came improvements and refinements.. and with those came more electronics and even more power.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge California
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
If the engine turns over but doesn't start, I would first try to determine if it is a spark or fuel issue. Spray a SMALL sniff of ether into the intake while cranking; if the engine starts or tries to, you have a fuel delivery problem. If this test produces nothing, you have a spark problem. After you do this, post up the results. Also, as always, doesn't hurt to pull codes. Your car needs a code reader to do it, but some chain auto parts stores will do it for you no charge.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Lawndale CA
Does the car not start after having been driven? You mention that the car starts after sitting for an additional 5-10 minutes.
It sounds like starter heat soak, but you said the car turns over?
It could also be a problem with your fuel pump, if you have a leak down condition in addition to the fuel pump delay after shut down might cause you to have zero fuel when restarting.
Unfortunately the duration of your problem (5-10 minutes as you indicated) doesn't allow you to perform a lot of diagnostic testing before the culprit disappears.
It sounds like starter heat soak, but you said the car turns over?
It could also be a problem with your fuel pump, if you have a leak down condition in addition to the fuel pump delay after shut down might cause you to have zero fuel when restarting.
Unfortunately the duration of your problem (5-10 minutes as you indicated) doesn't allow you to perform a lot of diagnostic testing before the culprit disappears.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge California
no start
If the engine turns over but doesn't start, I would first try to determine if it is a spark or fuel issue. Spray a SMALL sniff of ether into the intake while cranking; if the engine starts or tries to, you have a fuel delivery problem. If this test produces nothing, you have a spark problem. After you do this, post up the results. Also, as always, doesn't hurt to pull codes. Your car needs a code reader to do it, but some chain auto parts stores will do it for you no charge.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
The best strategy is not to change parts at random, hoping for a win. You are better off systematically diagnosing the problem, then you buy and install only the part(s) you need. There is plenty of knowledgeable help on CF. Once you are able to eliminate lack of either fuel or spark as the issue, you can go from there. Of course, with an intermittent, it is almost impossible to troubleshoot when the symptoms are not there. Post back with your progress!