starting problem on a 96 lt1
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 2
From: Texas
starting problem on a 96 lt1
A few weeks ago i get off of work and get in my car and try to start and nothing. All the dash lights work but the starter does not engage or make any sounds at all. I am thinking VATS so we left it for a few minutes and it finally started. Well after that it seems like it has trouble starting. Sometimes when i turn the key, it sounds like starter solenoid is engaging but the starter is not turning (makes one loud CLICK), I turn the key back and try again and it starts. It has not not started again since that one time, but it has done the one loud click a few time, but always starts after the second or third try. Any ideas?
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
The same thing just happened to me on my 91. 
It ended up being a small bad spot on the starter. After my mechanic replaced the starter it was fine. If that had not worked my mechanic thought it might have been my clutch switch. I'd start with the starter first because it sound like it might be going.
It ended up being a small bad spot on the starter. After my mechanic replaced the starter it was fine. If that had not worked my mechanic thought it might have been my clutch switch. I'd start with the starter first because it sound like it might be going.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Post Falls ID
Had the same problem on my 1996 LT1. Started out clicking once then starting the second time. After a while, it would click multiple times before the starter would engage. Took the starter out and brought it to Checker Auto Parts, they checked it and the solenoid was going bad. Replaced the starter and all is good!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The starter solenoid also switches current to the starter motor. This current is 100+ amps and eventually the contacts get eroded and at the end of their life make intermittent connection causing the starter to work after several tries. The solution is to replace the starter solenoid or the contacts, or replace the starter. Your first non start and success after waiting several minutes was likely a VATS problem that hasn't repeated.
You should hear the starter solenoid click even if the starter doesn't crank. No clicking means that the starter solenoid is not receiving 12v which can be the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic) or the contacts in the ignition tumbler aren't making connection to the pellet. Try jumping the clutch safety switch and then try jumping 12v to the wire on the clutch switch that goes to the starter solenoid (purple on my 87), this will make the starter crank. No crank, bad starter motor.
You should hear the starter solenoid click even if the starter doesn't crank. No clicking means that the starter solenoid is not receiving 12v which can be the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic) or the contacts in the ignition tumbler aren't making connection to the pellet. Try jumping the clutch safety switch and then try jumping 12v to the wire on the clutch switch that goes to the starter solenoid (purple on my 87), this will make the starter crank. No crank, bad starter motor.
Last edited by jfb; Aug 7, 2005 at 11:08 PM.
