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starting problem, any tips?

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Old Sep 1, 2003 | 10:54 PM
  #1  
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Default starting problem, any tips?

im a newbie to vettes and when i try to start my 85, i turn the key and all that happens is that the digital readings like mph and rpm come on and a fan comes on, but the engine won't budge. There's no click or anything. I've tested the battery and it seems okay, so Im thinking there is either no power going to the starter or the starter is busted, any tips?
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Old Sep 1, 2003 | 11:15 PM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

let me be the fist to say welcome :party:


when that happons to me its useally my battery is not charged

try to give it a jump it might help

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Old Sep 1, 2003 | 11:23 PM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

You probably have auto fans set. Your Throttle Position Sensor might be malfunctioning if you have one on an 85. I know that could be the problem if it happened on my 90, but it might be dif on cross-fire engines. If that's the case though, try putting your foot on the gas ped slightly as you turn the ignition and see if you get a better response. If it clicked I would think it's the batt, but if it didn't try this.
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Old Sep 1, 2003 | 11:24 PM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

Sounds like the solenoid is bad.
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Old Sep 2, 2003 | 12:46 AM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

If the battery is all the way up then it might be a bad ground.
Clean your battery cables.
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Old Sep 2, 2003 | 04:41 AM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (redwing76)

Is your car equipped with "VATS"? Clean your key, wait 5min and try again.

It happens to my car every once in a while.

Mike.
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Old Sep 2, 2003 | 09:37 AM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

Welcome!

Don't take this the wrong way, but check to see that the trannie is in Park, it won't start in any other gear. There is really only one way to check a battery's condition and that's measuring it's specific gravity. The truth is that there are many reasons for this malfunction. But it's the obvious things we sometimes overlook. But as we say in the electrical world, when it doubt, jumper it out, i.e.; jump start it. Good luck! :cheers:

Scott
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Old Sep 2, 2003 | 09:44 AM
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

Welcome to the forum :seeya

Put a test light on the small terminal of the starter solenoid and have someone try to start. From there you can see which direction your problem is comming from.
:cheers:
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Old Sep 2, 2003 | 11:37 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

thanks for the all of the tips so far, I already have tried jumpin' it and..... nothin, so im going to try the "VATS" key thing and testing the starter solenoid
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 12:38 AM
  #10  
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

85's don't have a "VATS" thing. Thats an 86 thing.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 01:13 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

based on all the replys.....it could be anything. good luck :yesnod:
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 01:30 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: starting problem, any tips? (w85vette)

agent 86 nailed it for step 1 of the "split half search".
since youve checked voltage and connection at the battery end,move to the opposite end of the problem circuit (starter in this case).
you can short the small terminal wire to the larger bat cable post and the starter should turn the motor over.(be sure its in park/neutral and dont try and start it,just seeing if the starters capable of turning the engine over)
if it doesnt its either bad cableing/connections or the starter.if it does then its time to scratch the chin a little.
let us know.
oh and hello! :cheers:
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