1986 Corvette will not start by key. NEED HELP!!!

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Aug 15, 2009 | 01:17 PM

carnut92_2009

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2

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From: new virginia iowa

1986 Corvette will not start by key. NEED HELP!!!

I can't figure out why my car will not start by key. If you cross the starter it will fire right up. I have fixed the ignition switch and the relay behind the dash. My next step was to check clutch safety switch.
This all started after i pulled the motor out and put another one in. The car fired right up and drove into the garage but, now it won't start by key. All lights come on when you turn key but, it won't click or anything. The only code i have in it is a code 33.

Any help is good help thanks.

Aug 15, 2009 | 05:12 PM

Tulsa Vette Guy

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 406

Likes: 1

From: Tulsa OK

Try This

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, Bleed off any power left in the ECM, by turning on the headlights for about 5 minutes, Then reconnect the cable and try to start it... Hope this might help.

Last edited by Tulsa Vette Guy; Aug 15, 2009 at 05:16 PM.

Aug 15, 2009 | 07:30 PM

rodj

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 8,838

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From: Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tulsa Vet Guy

Bleed off any power left in the ECM,

Nothing to do with ECM.

'86 has VATS? have you got another key to try?
You need to get a DVM and follow the power through the circuit to the solenoid

http://misterbill.homeip.net/vette/wiring/starter.jpg

Last edited by rodj; Aug 15, 2009 at 07:37 PM.

Aug 15, 2009 | 08:06 PM

nitronick

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 15,029

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Is there any chance the ignition switch(the one behind the dash) moved out of adjustment? That's where my problem was. I thought it was tightened down enough, but I was wrong....

Aug 15, 2009 | 08:09 PM

0Paul Ruggeri

Former Vendor

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2,482

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From: Carmichael ca

Start by seeing if you get power to the small wire on the starter when the key is turned to start. If not work your way back from there. You'll need a wiring diagram to do this.

Aug 16, 2009 | 02:55 AM

K87ZZ4

Pro

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 509

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From: Edmonds WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodj

'86 has VATS?

Yep, 86 has VATS and it sounds like that might be the culprit.

Aug 16, 2009 | 08:23 AM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,324

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From: Summerland B.C. Canada

VATS info >> http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf

Aug 16, 2009 | 09:23 AM

Midnight 85

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 5,866

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From: Hellinois

Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified

I haven't had much experience with the VATS system but when my son's Lumina had VATS trouble it wouldn't start even when we jumped the starter. I don't know if the earlier systems were the same way or not. Try this, while sitting in the car move the gear selector through the entire range while trying the key in every gear. Don't hold the key on long enough for the car to start since it may be in gear. Just give it a bump and see if the starter activates. If it does then the neutral safety switch is out of adjustment. Since you changed engines are you sure the starter is wired correctly?