Sometimes Won't Start

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Jul 31, 2006 | 09:15 PM

trancethoughts

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2006

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Sometimes Won't Start

I have a 1988 Vette, It runs great but every now and then it won't start. By that I mean when I turn the key on the dash and all lights work fine, but when I actually turn the key to start nothing happens. After about 15-20 minutes it will start just fine. It doesn’t seem to make a difference whether the car is hot or cold. Could this be the factory alarm disabling the starter and then resetting its self after a few minutes?

Jul 31, 2006 | 09:47 PM

The Green Hornet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,076

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From: Everyone needs something to believe in, I believe I'll have another beer. Wisconsin

Sounds like a vat's problem, if your key is worn see a locksmith and have a new one made, it worked for me

Aug 1, 2006 | 08:45 AM

RRT vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 8,753

Likes: 9

From: Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelblue shark

Sounds like a vat's problem, if your key is worn see a locksmith and have a new one made, it worked for me

you can clean the contacts in the igintion switch and the key pellet. If you don't have a back up key it's time to get one. You can see what resistance number the pellet is and buy one. All you need is a ohm meter or take it to radio shack. Heres how to check.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=153&TopicID=2

Aug 1, 2006 | 04:19 PM

trancethoughts

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 4

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Thanks

I will try what that article said about the resistor, the reason I asked about the alarm is because it seemed to reset itself after a few minutes. Now it’s a waiting game. Any quick tips for getting a little more power out of an 88 TPI, I've already put an exhaust on, what should be my next step? Oh and does anyone make headers for this car? Thanks again I'll post if anything else happens

Aug 1, 2006 | 06:13 PM

madmatt9471

Team Owner

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 21,473

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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----

Sound as if it could be you ignition module! It gets old gets hot and stops working from time to time under these circumstances and conditions! Just possibly could be it! Let us know!

Thanks,Matt

Aug 1, 2006 | 07:05 PM

RRT vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 8,753

Likes: 9

From: Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by trancethoughts

Depends on how much you want to spend. Get a K&N air filter and cut the air lid to increase air flow. Long tube header help as well. Any other good mods will cost $$. If you can't solve the problem, let us know.

Aug 2, 2006 | 11:53 AM

any4xx

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,663

Likes: 139

From: Vail AZ

Don't overlook the little things first. My '86 had the same problem. It was the main batery cable at the starter. The nut was loose. Two minutes of work and it's been great ever since.

Tom

Aug 3, 2006 | 06:46 PM

trancethoughts

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2006

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We have already changed all the battery cables so right now we are just waiting until it happens again. I’m pretty sure it’s the VATS system. Thanks again for everyone’s help.