LT4 wont start, VATS?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
LT4 wont start, VATS?
I've had an ignition problem for awhile now. When trying to start sometimes the car will just click. If I move the key around in the lock just right the car will start normally. I had a new key made and the problem went away for awhile but now the car just clicks over and over again. Is this a problem with the ignition or can it be fixed with the VATS bypass.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Centennial Colorado
Originally Posted by UCFVetteLt4
I've had an ignition problem for awhile now. When trying to start sometimes the car will just click. If I move the key around in the lock just right the car will start normally. I had a new key made and the problem went away for awhile but now the car just clicks over and over again. Is this a problem with the ignition or can it be fixed with the VATS bypass.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Just replaced the battery (old one wouldn't hold a charge). When I can wiggle the key just right, the engine cranks right up, the starter isn't weak at all, it just sounds like it cant complete the circuit.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
VATS is part of the CCM on '90 - '96 cars.
If it works when you "wiggle the key", it could be a bad connection at the lock cylinder. However, since the starter clicks, it's likely a failing starter solenoid.
If it works when you "wiggle the key", it could be a bad connection at the lock cylinder. However, since the starter clicks, it's likely a failing starter solenoid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Your symptoms sound like a classic starter problem. I had the same and it was very random starting and clicking. I checked many things out but wound up being what I originally thought. Every time I went to work on it, it would correct itself and I could not find anything.
Not a bad job, easer than I thought, dropped out pretty nicely. Personally, I would change the whole starter and not just the solenoid. I have not had luck myself over the years doing just the solenoid. I would rather do it once and not bother with it for years to come. Best of luck.
Not a bad job, easer than I thought, dropped out pretty nicely. Personally, I would change the whole starter and not just the solenoid. I have not had luck myself over the years doing just the solenoid. I would rather do it once and not bother with it for years to come. Best of luck.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Listen to what the guys saying!!!! It has nothing to do with his starter. Your lock cylinder is worn. It got better when you changed your key because it was more precise trying to overcome the bad cylinder.
Change it and you'll be fine. Its a common problem on C4s.
Change it and you'll be fine. Its a common problem on C4s.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
There is no electrical contacts in the cylinder itself, (minus the vats reader) there's a rod that travels from the cylinder to the ignition switch lower on the column, the cylinder just pushes down on this rod when you turn it and the other end of the rod goes into the ignition switch. These switches can become loose or dirty making faulty or weak contacts.
Could it be the starter, yes, could it be the ignition switch, yes. I'd jump the starter solenoid directly and see what happens. If it cranks no problem than the starter could most certainly be ruled out.
With the quote above how could you just throw out "it's the starter" ???
How much money do people waste here from throwing money at things with misinformation?
Could it be the starter, yes, could it be the ignition switch, yes. I'd jump the starter solenoid directly and see what happens. If it cranks no problem than the starter could most certainly be ruled out.
Originally Posted by UCFVetteLt4
If I move the key around in the lock just right the car will start normally.
How much money do people waste here from throwing money at things with misinformation?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Centennial Colorado
Originally Posted by Canam
Listen to what the guys saying!!!! It has nothing to do with his starter. Your lock cylinder is worn. It got better when you changed your key because it was more precise trying to overcome the bad cylinder.
Change it and you'll be fine. Its a common problem on C4s.
Change it and you'll be fine. Its a common problem on C4s.
Bottom line, take out the starter and take it to Autozone... Have them put it on their tester.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
I had your problem, mine was the pellet in the key. Went and got a new key and no more problems.
Also sprayed the lock cylinder with contact cleaner, a lot of junk can build up in there and cause a bad contact.
Also sprayed the lock cylinder with contact cleaner, a lot of junk can build up in there and cause a bad contact.
Last edited by Randy93; Jul 26, 2006 at 02:48 PM.
