So this past weekend I took the car out to drop my wife's car off to get new tires and to run a few errons. At one of our stops, the car decided not to start. No starter noise, no nothing, but had power. I checked the started once I flatbedded her home and it's fine. I then figured it was the VATS, so I changed out the lock cylinder and got a new key, negative. Took a look at the aftermarket alarm...hmmm, the cover has a melted spot on it. Well, I've always wanted to yank it out anyway, so it's now gone. After that, I got the car to start twice, but it'd die within a few seconds. Now it won't even try to crank the engine once again. I popped the starter from under the car, it'd start, but quickly die. I also just had the battery checked at autozone. Any suggestions as to what's next?

 

Sounds like it might not be getting fuel. Check fuel pressure.

 

But wouldn't the engine try to crank and just not start? The starter doesn't engage at all. It's like a dead battery, but the gauges light up (and anything else powered).

 

What you're dealing with comes up a lot and guys tend to go through a long process to solve the problem. Rather than continue on what could end up being a long path of parts swapping in the hope that changing one of them will solve your problem, you should start on a systematic trouble-shooting procedure. What I'm suggesting you avoid is what just happened with the VATS assumption resulting in not solving the problem.

There are step by step diagnostic procedures to track down the cause of a No Crank/No Start condition; Crank/No Start condition, etc. Failing to do that is only going result in you making a lot of guesses. I STRONGLY recommend you do it in the scientific way; just like the shops would do should you take your car to one.

The Factory Service Manual is the first step I'd take; buying one. It lists the step by step procedures.

Since I suspect you don't have a FSM (otherwise you would have looked at it rather than post here with no reference to using it), so I suggest you go to a couple of sites that list some trouble-shooting procedures. Shbox.com is one; GrumpyVette.com is another; our Tech Tips Section is still another.

I'm just trying to keep you from running around in circles, increasing your frustration in the process.

Jake

 

Actually I do have an FSM. I started off with a couple of the basics and easy to swap cheap parts. I'll have to hunt down some new tools and get after the diagnosing this weekend. Just trying to rule out anything someone else may have already gone through. I suck with electronics, mainly do to being colorblind. She'll probably just end up getting flat bedded to my shop monday. Just trying like hell to avoid it.

 

Okay. There's a specific section for the condition your engine is experiencing, so I'm confused about how it was you jumped immediately to VATS. VATS problems is only indicated under certain conditions.

Was their any indication that VATS was the possible problem? Changing the lock and key, was your first move but you still have a No Crank condition. So I'm wondering why it was you moved to VATS as the cause right away.

Look in your FSM because there's a specific section on "No Crank" conditions and, of course the sites I suggested. I don;t believe anyone will be able to tell you, right off the bat, what's causing your problem. What you'll get will be "probabilities" and "possibilities". Checking them all in some random fashion is what causes the frustration.

You check one of the sugguested things, but it doesn't solve the problem, then you move on to the next suggestion and it, too, doesnlt cure the problem, etc. Pretty soon you'll become very frustrated - a few guys flat out give up and threaten to sell their car; other call the tow truck; still other throw a carp over the car and say "The hell with it!" See what I mean. I'm just trying to make this as easy as possible for you telling you what I've seen over the many years.

There are different "levels" (I'll call it) of problems. Some are easy, like how much torque to apply to a certain bolt or how to remove the Opti, etc. Forums are great for dealing with those kind of issues. Other conditions, like yours, have so many possible causes and cures that, rather then jump all over the map,going from one thing to another, it's best to use a systematic trouble-shooting approach and guide.

Believe me, doing it that way can save you a lot of frustration as compared to "check this", "change that", etc. I've seen so many guys that went through that I really feel sorry for them, especially since it could be avoided.

Also, the more detail you can provide in your responses the better the chance we'll have to recommend solid information.

Hope this helps.

Jake

 

Yeah, so far I suck at reading the FSM. I don't know how mechanics get anything done with these things. You have to know exactly what you are looking for to find it. I use the FSM with a haynes manual to figure stuff out. So far, I can find a crank but no start section.

I'm trying to find out if the neutral/park switch could cause an issue like that, but so far just found how to replace it. I know I've had issues with having to pop the shifter to make sure it's all the way up to pull the key out. Just noticed last night, I haven't had to do that since she's died.

I'm not really frustrated yet, except it's an electronic issue. Why can't it just be a starter or something, she'd be back on the road. I certainly know why mechanics charge what they do, and I really wish I could take it to mine. But besides be slightly strapped for cash, I'm determined to figure this out. Hopefully once the rain chills out, and I have a fresh charge on the battery, I'll figure it out. Been reading the FSM this evening. Gotta check out those sites next. Thanks so much for your help. Who knew I needed help reading a book! LMAO

 

OK, I'm an idiot. Found the no-crank section. Got some work to do Saturday.