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1988 will not start

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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 06:00 PM
  #1  
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Default 1988 will not start

I went into my garage today and wanted to run the engine for a little while to let the car warm up. It started great and i let it run for about 20 mintues. It was running smooth and then i shut it off and was wiping off the wheels for about 5 mintues. I went to start the car and bang it was dead as a door nail. The battery is new but i tried to jump it anyways. Nothing. The car does not even begin to try to turn over. all instruments work, radio, windows etc. Any ideas.
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 06:05 PM
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I would guess the starter maybe? Thats just my opinion.
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 06:48 PM
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went back out after about 15 mintues and the car started and is running like new. WTF.....scary..good thing i am selling it...
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 07:58 PM
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Maybe the VATS secruity system??
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 07:59 PM
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Vats?
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Old Apr 27, 2013 | 08:10 PM
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Could be a starter solenoid.

Could be a loose connection on the starter.

Starter itself could have decided to bite the big one.
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Old Apr 29, 2013 | 03:56 AM
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Sounds like a loose battery cable connection. Remember that each cable has TWO ends -- and BOTH ENDS must be tight.

Also it's possible that the battery has leaked and corroded the battery cable(s). When that happened to me the symptom was that the dash would light up as usual when the key was turned on but all the lights went out when I turned the key to the start position.
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Old Apr 29, 2013 | 11:34 AM
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I had the same problem with my 88 last year. The car started fine when cold but wouldn't start when hot. The solenoid lug on the starter is silver soldered to a lead inside the starter. I guess while installing the starter I turned the lug and this broke the solder on the inside, which when hot would expand and break contact with the lead. I had a buddy resolder the lead and everything's been fine since.
Selling the car with an intermitant no start will bring down the price.
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