91 won't crank over
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
91 won't crank over
I have a 91 vette that wont crank over.The dash lights and everthing works just when you go to start it nothing happens. So I took the starter off and it tested bad.So I had the starter rebuilt and back on and still no crank. I had the tumbler replaced 2 months ago,no trouble since. Do you guys think this could be a vats issue? How do you troubleshoot the vats system?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
I have a 91 vette that wont crank over.The dash lights and everthing works just when you go to start it nothing happens. So I took the starter off and it tested bad.So I had the starter rebuilt and back on and still no crank. I had the tumbler replaced 2 months ago,no trouble since. Do you guys think this could be a vats issue? How do you troubleshoot the vats system?
If you have a 2nd key try that first , then you will have to track through the starter circuit components to check for power at each
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Unplug the clutch safety switch (gear selector sw at base of shifter if auto) and jump the socket. The jumper should have 12v on it in crank position. You can check the starter by jumping 12v to the jumper. If no crank in ign crank position, then find the two wires from above the steering column that goes to a 2 pin plug and unplug. Insert the key and measure the resistance across the wires from the steering column. It should be within 4% of the key pellet or VATS will not allow a crank. If resistance checks ok, then I would suspect a defective start enable relay. You can temporarily bypass VATS with a fixed resistor the same value as your pellet connected across the socket the 2 pin connector plugs into. You can use 1/4 watt resistor from Radio Shack, but the resistance must be less than 4% from your pellet resistance. I believe on 91's you have to disconnect the resistor between cranks, you cannot just leave it connected all the time. If the resistor allows you to start the engine, then you have a problem with the new ign lock which has the contacts that make connection to the pellet.
Last edited by jfb; Jun 29, 2009 at 11:44 PM.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
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Still no turning over.This is what Ive done so far fuses all good, Think I found the starter relay and swapped it out for another one,I think its the one closest to the column on the left side correct?The starter cranks when I jump it but thats all. As for the safety switch on the shifter when I unplug it and use a test light on the pins there is only one pin that is hot wheather the key is on or in the crank position. Maybe find the vats wires,and which ones would they be?Any ideas?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 737
Likes: 11
From: Charlotte MI
Still no turning over.This is what Ive done so far fuses all good, Think I found the starter relay and swapped it out for another one,I think its the one closest to the column on the left side correct?The starter cranks when I jump it but thats all. As for the safety switch on the shifter when I unplug it and use a test light on the pins there is only one pin that is hot wheather the key is on or in the crank position. Maybe find the vats wires,and which ones would they be?Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Still no turning over.This is what Ive done so far fuses all good, Think I found the starter relay and swapped it out for another one,I think its the one closest to the column on the left side correct?The starter cranks when I jump it but thats all. As for the safety switch on the shifter when I unplug it and use a test light on the pins there is only one pin that is hot wheather the key is on or in the crank position. Maybe find the vats wires,and which ones would they be?Any ideas?
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
You say you checked the fuses, did you also check the fusible links? There are a few near the starter. Also check the main grounds, there are two coming from the positive battery cable, one goes the driver side of the engine block and the other is a smaller wire attached to the frame behind the battery.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Read my previous post and follow the suggestions and you will be able to start your car. Also, measure the battery terminal voltage when cranking, battery voltage should not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged, battery cables need cleaning and replacing, or the battery is at the end of its life. Charge your battery overnight if the no load voltage (use an external voltmeter) is 12.0 volts or lower. You can tell the state of charge, 12.0 volts or lower, discharged, 12.9 volts or higher, fully charged and linear in between.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Take your battery to a battery shop and have them test it for you. When that works out, whichever way it works out, we will know where to go from there.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
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Just had the starter rechecked this morning.Checked good.I put the starter back on and with my meter checked to see what I had when I tryed turning the key over and the batt cable of course is hot but the little wire shows nothing.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The small wire on the starter goes to the starter solenoid and it only gets 12v when the ign sw is in crank position IF VATS is working properly. Let me repeat myself, read and perform the tests in my first post, it will tell you why the starter is not cranking your engine.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ok guys I'm sorry for getting on your last nerve,but I cant seem to find the two pin vats connecter or wires.What color might they be for a 91? Also the only to pin connecter and wires I can find isnt connected to anything,it's a purple and white wire with a black female connecter and when I try to ohm them key in crank position it dosent read anything