Today I parked my car (1985 z51), left for about 10 mins, came back and it wouldn't start. I turn the key and NOTHING, not even a crank, it was like no power was getting to the starter. And my battery is brand new. I sat in the parking lot for about half an hour trying all sorts of things like shifting through the gears (4=3 tranny), taking the key out, ect...all the normal stuff. Finally I released the e-brake and tried to rock the car back and forth a bit and after that it started. This has happened a few random times before but its nothing specific that I can see causing it. Its almost like the car just wants to rest a bit and then start when it damn well pleases....im confused

Any ideas?

 

same thing happened to me today with my '91 L98 auto...I have a funny feeling it has to do with the VATS security system.

After I opened and closed both doors and played with the power locks (to arm/disarm the security system) it fired right up, but for about a half hour after I came back out after running into the store it was dead as a doornail...

 

I had a similar intermittent problem with mine years ago; if I remember right, I had the lock cylinder and keys replaced to remedy the problem. The VATS disables the starting system and goes into a wait loop when it detects someone tampering with the ignition. Unfortunately, that can happen if the sensor misreads the key code on your key. I think it's 4 minutes wait before you can start the car again with the right key. It can help to carry your back-up key to try when this happens.

 

Hi i had that problem some years back it happened a few times ... found it would not start several times ... check if it works pouring water onto the starter ... or hitting the starter with something ... the 85 doesnt have vats so maybe your starter is on the way out ... once i replaced my starter i have not had that fault since

 

Could be a starter/solenoid problem, but it's theft deterrent system does lock out the starter, so there is a chance that your theft deterrent controller, is for some reason, not allowing the starter enable relay to activate.
Easy enough to rule out the controller and enable relay, by checking for power at solenoid when ignition is in "crank" position.

 

It doesnt seem like a starter problem because when it does actually work the engine starts up no problem. However, when it wont start the engine doesnt even crank at all...like theres no power getting to it.

 

Have the starter checked out when they get hot they can completely shut down

 

First, remove the batt cables (neg first) and clean the cable lugs, bolts and battery terminals and replace the cables (neg last). Starter motors require 100+ amps and a battery with a poor electrical connection cannot supply it. Do it even if the cables look clean, its where the lugs touch the battery post that is important. Next time it won't crank, unplug the clutch safety switch (gear selector sw at base of shifter is auto) and jump the socket and try a crank. Measure the clutch sw with an ohmeter while sw is activated, it should measure the same as touching the ohmeter probes together.

 

Hi
I have had the same fault .. it will get worse and yes it will work fine other times , if you have checked your trans in park or neutral and check that when you turn the key to start and you get 12 volts to the solenoid . if you suspect the anti theft go thru the lock .. unlock with key a few times to check that ... perhaps bypass the start disable .. so if you have good battery volts to starter and get someone to connect a volt meter to the solenoid start wire ( small ) and check for volts should have a good 12 volts .. only when turning the key to crank the engine
that will tel you if its a anti theft prob ,, and set in park
If you find there is good 12 volts to the solenoid check the solenoid on the starter take the bakerlite cap of .. there is a copper disc with a spring .. it wears and gets arcked and can be insulated by long term use
.. A starter is cheap and easy to get reconditioned ,, my one had started to pole the solenoid worked but the starter would fail when hot ... could tap it with bit of metal and it would go ... by the way what is your battery volts during cranking ??? It wont start below 9 or 10 volts ... needs a lot of power to get going ...if you have not replaced the starter for some years get it checked ,,, also check your battery ... when it cranks how long can it with the spark plugs disconected .. also check your negative connection on your engine
Good luck !
let me know when you have found the problem

 

Had the same problem with my 84. Checked everything. And it was the starter. It is so close to the exhaust that sometime they dont last long. I replaced mine and no problem at all. Seems like yours is on its way out.

Kevin