Starter is intermittent: Please help.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Starter is intermittent: Please help.
Thanks for checking my post! 
1990 Red Vette Coupe, 66,000 miles.
The other day, I went to start it, and when I turn the key, I get full dashboard lights, full reading on my battery, everything works, BUT the starter will not engage or turn. Nothing when I turn the ignition.
I tried a couple of times, and nothing.
Came back after work, like 10 hours later, and she started right up!!!
Then, next day, same thing: No starter.
I try a couple of times, remove the key, reset security, etc, then suddenly it starts right up!
I don't know what to do from here. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated. Is this a starter solenoid or ignition switch issue possibly?
I am a Corvette newbee (first Vette), and I love my new toy...just want to get this thing fixed! Looking forward to hearing from you!!!!
1990 Red Vette Coupe, 66,000 miles.
The other day, I went to start it, and when I turn the key, I get full dashboard lights, full reading on my battery, everything works, BUT the starter will not engage or turn. Nothing when I turn the ignition.
I tried a couple of times, and nothing.
Came back after work, like 10 hours later, and she started right up!!!
Then, next day, same thing: No starter.
I try a couple of times, remove the key, reset security, etc, then suddenly it starts right up!
I don't know what to do from here. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated. Is this a starter solenoid or ignition switch issue possibly?
I am a Corvette newbee (first Vette), and I love my new toy...just want to get this thing fixed! Looking forward to hearing from you!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If you hear the solenoid click but the starter won't crank, you have pitted copper contacts that are forced together at the end of the solenoid stroke that switches current to the starter motor. New contacts are in order. If you don't hear a click when you hit, "crank", position, then you have either a VATS problem or a defective clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic). If you will use the search function on this site, you will find a bazillion posts (some mine) on how to diagnose your non crank problem. It isn't hard to do (either search or doing the diagnostics).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 777
Likes: 1
From: Fort Worth Texas
Turn off the alarm system and see what happens. Check switch on clutch pedel for loose plug. My VATS and alarm did this too. Your Vette will start in 3 to 5 minutes after it resets. Read your owners book.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 12
From: Yorktown Heights NY
If its the solenoid contacts and your mechanically inclined its a realtively cheap fix to just change the contacts, however it will take some time to get the parts from a toyota dealership.......our starters are actually japanese toyota landcruiser truck hitorque starters 
I know cause I changed ny contacts 2 years ago......
Here's the link for the detailed repair and parts list
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
I know cause I changed ny contacts 2 years ago......
Here's the link for the detailed repair and parts list
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: WHITE OAK PA
I Have A '96 Collector's Editon W/lt-4 And Experienced A Similar Problem -- Intermitant Starting With No Rhyme Or Reason -- Lasted 18 Months. I Would Get In, Cross My Fingers And Turn The Key. After Months Of Head Scratching, I Finally Decided To Spray My New Key With Electrical Contact Cleaner And Move The Key In And Out Of The Column Switch 6-8 Times And I Haven't Had Any Problems Since. Don't Know If This Will Work For You. But It Is Worth A Try
