Unsolved starting problem part deux...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Unsolved starting problem part deux...
Forgive me for starting a new thread on this but I don't want to confuse the first thread since some of my symptoms are different,
I have an 86 so it does have VATS and a few times lately it has done that dead starter thing however I could just swear I do hear something clicking ever so faintly when I turn the key, the car is an automatic so I assumed it could be a switch to keep u from starting it in gear but moving the shifter around doesn't do a thing,
Today I stopped to get my gf lunch and went out it wouldn't start turned and turned the key nothing, I have pleanty of battery juice,
Then it just starts, I drive across town to give her lunch to her and again it doesn't start, then after trying it several times I stop talk to her for a few and it cranks right over,
I read what you said about the VATS in the other thread, sounds like it very well could be my problem, my question is does the pill on the key ever go bad or is it always the lock part?
Thanks all!
Cheers,
P.
I have an 86 so it does have VATS and a few times lately it has done that dead starter thing however I could just swear I do hear something clicking ever so faintly when I turn the key, the car is an automatic so I assumed it could be a switch to keep u from starting it in gear but moving the shifter around doesn't do a thing,
Today I stopped to get my gf lunch and went out it wouldn't start turned and turned the key nothing, I have pleanty of battery juice,
Then it just starts, I drive across town to give her lunch to her and again it doesn't start, then after trying it several times I stop talk to her for a few and it cranks right over,
I read what you said about the VATS in the other thread, sounds like it very well could be my problem, my question is does the pill on the key ever go bad or is it always the lock part?
Thanks all!
Cheers,
P.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 4
From: Middle River MD
Both. When my VATS acted up, the wires in the ignition cylinder were all worn. Installed new ignition, problem solved. I also got a new key just to be safe. You can try wiping the pellet with a cloth or something to clean any dirt or foreign matter off...might help, but seeing as your car is 19 yrs old you will likely need to replace those 2 items.
I just bypassed mine. I'm buying a new 2-way perimeter alarm system with a starter disabler soon enough, that should keep her safe...
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Originally Posted by The13Bats
Forgive me for starting a new thread on this but I don't want to confuse the first thread since some of my symptoms are different,
I have an 86 so it does have VATS and a few times lately it has done that dead starter thing however I could just swear I do hear something clicking ever so faintly when I turn the key, the car is an automatic so I assumed it could be a switch to keep u from starting it in gear but moving the shifter around doesn't do a thing,
Today I stopped to get my gf lunch and went out it wouldn't start turned and turned the key nothing, I have pleanty of battery juice,
Then it just starts, I drive across town to give her lunch to her and again it doesn't start, then after trying it several times I stop talk to her for a few and it cranks right over,
I read what you said about the VATS in the other thread, sounds like it very well could be my problem, my question is does the pill on the key ever go bad or is it always the lock part?
Thanks all!
Cheers,
P.
I have an 86 so it does have VATS and a few times lately it has done that dead starter thing however I could just swear I do hear something clicking ever so faintly when I turn the key, the car is an automatic so I assumed it could be a switch to keep u from starting it in gear but moving the shifter around doesn't do a thing,
Today I stopped to get my gf lunch and went out it wouldn't start turned and turned the key nothing, I have pleanty of battery juice,
Then it just starts, I drive across town to give her lunch to her and again it doesn't start, then after trying it several times I stop talk to her for a few and it cranks right over,
I read what you said about the VATS in the other thread, sounds like it very well could be my problem, my question is does the pill on the key ever go bad or is it always the lock part?
Thanks all!
Cheers,
P.
Its not too hard to check to see if you are getting power to the starter.
Let me walk you through how to check.
There is 1 small wire going to the starter, very small nut holding it in place (8mm). You need to go down to the starter and put a voltmeter on that wire. Put the other lead to ground. Set the voltmeter to DC Voltage....have someone turn the key to the start position. I am going to assume you took all the precautions to make sure you don't get run over, and get mangled by moving parts. If you have clip on leads you can clip them on, and move away from everything, probably safest.
Each time the key is turned to the start position, you should get 12volts on the small wire that energizes the solenoid. If you do not get that, then its either VATS or ignition. If you DO get the 12volts, you need a new starter. I go through a start every year on my car. Buy the best one through NAPA and every year it dies. So now every year, I just take it back and get a new one when the season starts. Better to replace on my terms, rather than when it decides to go, like in the staging lanes 300 miles from home and after paying a 45 dollar entry fee.
That should narrow down the search of what is the problem.
