eatmydst1234

Is the security light on solid or flashing when you try to start it but nothing happens?

Skyfall7

I think it is on solid, I will check that out.

I presume your assumption is that if its blinking, the system is still arming itself.

My usaul protocal was to get in the car, turn the switch on, as I bucled my seatbelt,

I would hear the usaul startup chimes, see all the lights come on the instrument

idiot light screen, I would hear the electric fuel pump come on,

and then I would turn the key to crank her up.

I always did the same thing and it always started with first crank.

I am going to try some variations, like just getting in and hitting the key right away.

Like I said before, for almost 300 straight starts, it always started right up.

Again, now, if it dont start right up, I get out, (about 5 minutes) get back in

and it will start right up.

So, it seems to be resetting itself somehow.

I guess I will go have it diagnostically checked on the computer.

But, my fear is, the Gremlin will not appear when the mechanic looks for it.

I can just see it now, leave it at the mechanic all day and it will start everytime.

She has no left me stranded yet, but, I am playing with fire.

If I get the "BAT SIGNAL", I got to be able to get in my "BATMOBILE" and fly.

May not have time for a cigerette and anyway, Corvette 101 states,

if you get in your C4, it should start.

Not to mention my buddy...."So, you spent $10,000 and your car wont start."

eatmydst1234

When you got the car did it come with 2 sets of keys? try the other set. if only one take some denatured alcohol and clean the 'pellet' in the key.

Docderek05

good advice concerning the key pellet, welcome to the forum Sky..nice car..you will work it out!! Best, Derek

Skyfall7

Thanks guys.

And the security light blinks until I start it. Goes off then.

I would imagine if the security light stays on it is armed.

Yes , I love me car, it is such a pleasure to drive and as being a 93, it still

provides all the performance of a Corvette.

Skyfall7

So,
as I mentioned the last few posts,
small irritation, turn key, wont start, wait a minute, starts right up.
So, the other day, started old "Sheba" (my girls name) up and
first thing it starts to sputter and seem cold.
Hmmmm????
So, being the ace mechanic I am I figure....
well, I just will take her down the road, you know, warm her up, maybe this new problem is just a hiccup of weather change.
Well, one block away, possible failure mode,
quick,
return to base.
However, no good, were going down......as it coasts to a stop.
Hmmmm?
This is a new problem. Crank, crank crank.........
Okay,
AAA time.
So, I have her towed(flatbed) into my local trusted mechanic.
My trusted mechanic, good, but, he warned me...
if not an easy fix, he will have to send it to a professional corvette guru.
So, he calls me up, says fuel pump at 25 PSI, should be more like 45 PSI, replaces it.
Hmmmm?
Seems to be a problem using this dang nabit ethynol gas(10%) which
is all that is out there 93 octane.All that is out there until now I know where I can get pure gas(no enthanol) for a modest $4.50 a gallon.
So, tommorrow, he is going into the injectors.
He is my trusted mechanic and he does have a connection with the Guru corvette mechanic, says it could get a little costly though.
Like, I got a choice.
I knew when I bought my girl, there is nothing cheap about a corvette.
Anyway, before it leaves the garage, I am gonna start it 25 times in a row before I leave, to make sure ALL the gremlins are gone.
Still love it, cant wait to get er back and head down the road.

lt4obsesses

Did he replace the fuel filter and check the fuel pressure regulator while swapping the pump? I would ask him about that. I have found a place with non ethynol 93 local to me, but have run e-10 a bit too. Not sure that it's the cause. Twenty year old parts ya know.

Your starting issue sounds like it's your vehicle anti theft system, aka VATS. As stated before, try wiping the pellet with an alcohol wipe. In my '96, on the occaisions this happened, my security light would be on solid when I turn the key to "start". Normal operation it goes off when I turn the key to the start position. It's happened to me three times in 7 years.

Now, I'm going to say this, and perhaps you already know. But as much as we like to keep things clean and pretty, do not, ever, under any circumstance, for any reason, ever, ever, wash your engine bay with running water. If the optispark distributor, on the front of the engine gets wet, it can fail in a big way, and that can be Corvette expensive if you have someone else fix it.

If you need new injectors, theres a vendor on here, jon@fic injectors that can set you up for a good price. I've never gone to him, but many regard him well.

Skyfall7

It4 you made some good points.
I got my car back today.
As much as I trust my mechanic,
I think the Corvette is too much for him.
As I sit still now at a red light, it bucks a little and seems it wants to stall,
but, when I go, it runs fine.
I think I will just bite the bullet and take the car to a regular Corvette mechanic.
These cars are too sophisticated for the average.
I will take it in and have a tune-up made.
Time to shop around town and find a Corvette Guru.

lt4obsesses

Ah, they're really not all that complicated. It's a Chevy. The LT1 motor was used in Camaro's, Firebirds, Caprice, Impala's, Roadmaster, and Fleetwoods as well during its run from '92 to '97. There are two major differences between the LT1 and the Gen I small block engine. The distributor and the reverse cooling. But it still needs air, fuel, spark at the right time in the right amounts to run well.

Skyfall7

You know It4, again you make good points.
Last night I went and got some Efree fuel.Cost more at over 4.50 a gallon, but when I think of a whole 2 gallons of ethanol in my 20 gallon tank, I think I have changed for good.
This morning I took my car and was going to head back to the mechanic, I noticed the bucking and almost stalling reduced about 90%. It still is a little rough, but, ok for now. I was impressed though by the performance
improvement.My car was fast before, but, now when I put the hammer down, it launches like a catapult on an aircraft carrior. She runs smooth and seems to be much better then before.
When my mechanic started to look at my car, he was up front and said he has limitations.He is a young man who grew up with his Pop, who owns the garage.He immediately told me it was a fuel pump,but after he replaced it he found out there was more to do.He told me how he researched the problem and was heading for the direction of the injectors. Anyway, I got the bill back and the car showing that he replaced a fuel pump and gas filter.
When I think about it, I appreciate the lads devotion and self reliance on getting the job done. He could have asked his Pop or even have farmed the work out to a Guru. But, he did not. Considering the cost of repair was fair and I am happy, I believe my trust to my mechanic is still strong.
You are right, an LT1 is a Chevy, not a Ferraii or a 2014 Corvette.
Life is good, I love my Vette and my mechanic gets a wink of the eye for a job well done.

lt4obsesses

I would say hold on to this mechanic. It sounds like he has the right attitude of taking on the challenge and learning, rather than how am I gonna take this guy's money. In the end, even if they lack the experience at the moment, their quality of work tends to be spot on in the end. This is just an opinion based upon experience.

Skyfall7

I bought the Corvette a few years ago.
Got it with high mileage, but, most miles put on her early in life.

I have kept her maintained and most common repairs already done.

Call me a turncoat,
but,
I bought a 1970 Dodge Charger to rebuild.

I love my corvette and hate to part with her,
but,
sometimes life gives you a choice.

I cant have both.

Someone is going to take over custody of my Corvette and they will be getting a good car, sound and true.