starting problem
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
starting problem
Hi i just joined this forum. I have a starting problem. I took my 88 vette out for a ride this past weekend. When i got home i shut it off.
Got back in and tried to start it - nothing no click no sound of anything. went in the house got the second key nothing. played with it for a while - nothing. Went in the house. Came back out about 45 min latter and it started right up.
Last year i had the same problem. would not start. After about an hour it started. Got a new key made. No problems till this past weekend.
Anyone have any ideas.
Got back in and tried to start it - nothing no click no sound of anything. went in the house got the second key nothing. played with it for a while - nothing. Went in the house. Came back out about 45 min latter and it started right up.
Last year i had the same problem. would not start. After about an hour it started. Got a new key made. No problems till this past weekend.
Anyone have any ideas.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Similar Issue
My 94's battery was dead over winter. I replaced the battery. When I tried to start, all the power went out. When I removed the key a rapid 'clicking' sound started coming from the passenger side. When I put the key back in and turn the switch, the clicking stopped...but no power. Left the car for about 1 hour, came back still no power. Ideas? Is there a 'tilt' 
reset button? Where would be a good place to start testing?
reset button? Where would be a good place to start testing?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Common problem and the search function will overload you with things to measure to find the problem, but I'll do my song and dance for you for the zillionth time! 
If VATS doesn't see the correct pellet resistance after (I don't know how many tries....about two I guess) it won't allow a start for 6 minutes. The contacts in the ignition tumbler wear and don't make reliable connection to the pellet. Here's how to trouble shoot VATS.
First, when it won't crank try jumping the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic) because this switch is in series with the start enable relay which is closed by VATS. Next, prove that the starter is ok by jumping 12v to the jumper on the clutch safety switch, the starter if good will crank. If all ok, then remove the hush panel above the drivers feet and look for the 2 white wires (color in my 87) from the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector. With the key in the ignition and the 2 pin plug unplugged, measure the resistance across the pins from the steering column. It must measure the same as the pellet and if it is over 13k ohms, then you need a new ignition tumbler which has new contacts. You can temporarily bypass VATS with a 1/4 watt 5% resistor from Radio Shack the same value as your pellet and clip it across the 2 wires that go into the wiring harness (VATS module). This will allow you to drive until you can schedule a replacement. Don't permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
If VATS doesn't see the correct pellet resistance after (I don't know how many tries....about two I guess) it won't allow a start for 6 minutes. The contacts in the ignition tumbler wear and don't make reliable connection to the pellet. Here's how to trouble shoot VATS.
First, when it won't crank try jumping the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic) because this switch is in series with the start enable relay which is closed by VATS. Next, prove that the starter is ok by jumping 12v to the jumper on the clutch safety switch, the starter if good will crank. If all ok, then remove the hush panel above the drivers feet and look for the 2 white wires (color in my 87) from the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector. With the key in the ignition and the 2 pin plug unplugged, measure the resistance across the pins from the steering column. It must measure the same as the pellet and if it is over 13k ohms, then you need a new ignition tumbler which has new contacts. You can temporarily bypass VATS with a 1/4 watt 5% resistor from Radio Shack the same value as your pellet and clip it across the 2 wires that go into the wiring harness (VATS module). This will allow you to drive until you can schedule a replacement. Don't permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
Last edited by jfb; May 24, 2005 at 07:55 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Resolved
It turned out to be 1 of 2 things...
1. Battery terminals not make full contact or
2. fusses had oxydation -- cleaned and reseated
The diagnostic experience was good as I now know my resistor number, verified my ignition switch works and figured out how to get any "fault" codes (none).
Thanks for the help.
1. Battery terminals not make full contact or
2. fusses had oxydation -- cleaned and reseated
The diagnostic experience was good as I now know my resistor number, verified my ignition switch works and figured out how to get any "fault" codes (none).
Thanks for the help.
