1988 won't start
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
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From: Ventura California
1988 won't start
I just purchased an 1988 convertible. But it won't start. Engine cranks, but acts like no gas. Security light blinks when I open the door and while crtaqnking motor. Will almost fire if I spray some starter fluid into air intake, but won't stay running. Could it be something with the security system? What should I check for? This is my first C4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
I dont think its security, I lean to fuel delivery, plugged filter, fuel pump not running, bad relay, after that , it starts to get spendy. when you first turn the key on , do you hear the fuel pump energize. There's an entire thread hear someplace about what a fuel pump sounds like when it energizes, to me it sounds like an agressive, sensual woman in a dark bar that grabs your a$$ an says 'hey, lets go', and when the engine starts , you 'go' . Just my personal opinion though. Did you buy it not-running? or did it quit after you got it home?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Read
http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system
VATS takes out both the starter and injectors but it is possible a previous owner bypassed the starter relay which would give the crank /no fuel cond you have if VATS was faulty.It is also possible for only the fuel part of VATS to be faulty
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 1
From: Naples Campania
Keep it simple.
Before you turn it over, do you hear the fuel pump? You'll just hear an electronic "wirr". There is a fairly funny thread somewhere around here where people were "demonstrating" what their fuel pump sounded like.
If you don't hear the pump, it could be the FP relay, Vats, the pump itself, all sorts of possibilities.
I'll predict that you will hear the pump running. Go to a parts store and get a fuel pressure gauge. They are easy to use and one of the BEST diagnostic tools you can buy. Let us know what your pressure is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Nothing exotic
OP stated
" Security light blinks while cranking motor."
"If an incorrect or no key resistance is read by the VATS decoder module, the module will shut down the start enable and ECM signal outputs for 4 minutes.
The SECURITY light will flash during the cranking attempt "
OP stated
" Security light blinks while cranking motor."
"If an incorrect or no key resistance is read by the VATS decoder module, the module will shut down the start enable and ECM signal outputs for 4 minutes.
The SECURITY light will flash during the cranking attempt "
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
Nothing exotic
OP stated
" Security light blinks while cranking motor."
"If an incorrect or no key resistance is read by the VATS decoder module, the module will shut down the start enable and ECM signal outputs for 4 minutes.
The SECURITY light will flash during the cranking attempt "
OP stated
" Security light blinks while cranking motor."
"If an incorrect or no key resistance is read by the VATS decoder module, the module will shut down the start enable and ECM signal outputs for 4 minutes.
The SECURITY light will flash during the cranking attempt "
also, my 91 security light is ON steady while cranking if key is not read, so says fsm, 9-d-3. I had a key read issue for one attempt, but don't recall if it was flashing or steady. have read about the flashing light, somewhere, but can't find it in that chapter.
I agree: the security light on or flashing is a good clue. I guess the OP tried a spare key.
joe
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
starter and fuel enable.
Usual diagnosis is , if it cranks , then it is not VATS related
but guys have had problems in the past where the key has been read correctly by the module but one part of it ( or as you state , the wiring to ) has been faulty leading to a wrong conclusion.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Thanks everyone for the input. That's what I love about this forum. The members. Been on here for a while, but in the C3 section. My first time in a C4.
Bought it not running, although PO said it ran. I know the starter has issues because when you first turn key, all I get is a clank noise as the starter tries to engage. Bendix going in, but won't crank unless I keep turning the key on and off about 10 or so times, then if I hit the right spot, it cranks. I don't know if that might have anything to do with not firing. I don't really here the fuel pump when I turn the key into on position. I am going to put a new starter in first and go from there. Where are the relays or fuses I can check to see if that could be part of problem?
Bought it not running, although PO said it ran. I know the starter has issues because when you first turn key, all I get is a clank noise as the starter tries to engage. Bendix going in, but won't crank unless I keep turning the key on and off about 10 or so times, then if I hit the right spot, it cranks. I don't know if that might have anything to do with not firing. I don't really here the fuel pump when I turn the key into on position. I am going to put a new starter in first and go from there. Where are the relays or fuses I can check to see if that could be part of problem?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
Thanks everyone for the input. That's what I love about this forum. The members. Been on here for a while, but in the C3 section. My first time in a C4.
Bought it not running, although PO said it ran. I know the starter has issues because when you first turn key, all I get is a clank noise as the starter tries to engage. Bendix going in, but won't crank unless I keep turning the key on and off about 10 or so times, then if I hit the right spot, it cranks. I don't know if that might have anything to do with not firing. I don't really here the fuel pump when I turn the key into on position. I am going to put a new starter in first and go from there. Where are the relays or fuses I can check to see if that could be part of problem?
Bought it not running, although PO said it ran. I know the starter has issues because when you first turn key, all I get is a clank noise as the starter tries to engage. Bendix going in, but won't crank unless I keep turning the key on and off about 10 or so times, then if I hit the right spot, it cranks. I don't know if that might have anything to do with not firing. I don't really here the fuel pump when I turn the key into on position. I am going to put a new starter in first and go from there. Where are the relays or fuses I can check to see if that could be part of problem?
in the 10 times, did the security light flash? don't believe it would, since engine cranks. if vats was preventing crank, there is no click. of course. once engine is rotating, dist is sending pulses to injectors -or supposed to be. monitor your tach to see if you have action, bouncing needle, etc, while cranking.
you can verify all fuses in the main panel. but sounds as if you have two different problems. "click, no start," "cranks, no run."
my experience, the FP motor is not easy to hear, esp if it has the muffler areound it. can be confused with ABS and SRC systems located behind driver seat. stand at tank and have someone turn key on. it will run for 2 secs and shut off, every time key is switched on, but not cranked. will remain on if engine is cranking.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,222
Likes: 206
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
FP relay is on the firewall, beside booster.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,222
Likes: 206
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I just purchased an 1988 convertible. But it won't start. Engine cranks, but acts like no gas. Security light blinks when I open the door and while crtaqnking motor. Will almost fire if I spray some starter fluid into air intake, but won't stay running. Could it be something with the security system? What should I check for? This is my first C4.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Ig...System-EST.pdf
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
engine cranks but won't start intermittently
just bought 1988 coupe with 4+3. brought it home and made a stop. got back in and it wouldn't start. after 4 hours it started right up, drove it home started up in the morning and two more times then drove it to parts store and it started up again. drove and made another stop and it would not start while cranking again. waited 10-15 minutes for three attempts and still no go. It just barely starts to fire, for 1/2 second or so and quits. after initial try it just cranks wit no attempt to fire at all. Towed it to chevy dealer. previous owner just recently had this work done at dealer:
cleaned throttle bottle; new EGR valve; New o2 sensor; tune up, wires, cap, rotor distributor all replaced; 3 new catalytic converters; new burn off relay; ( air filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure, fuel pressure regulator, coolant sensor all checked and "OK"
could this be the cylinder lock, bad keys, vats, ignition control module? the dealer noted that the coil showed signs of arcing but nothing was done about it. Don't want the dealer to run up a big bill spinning their wheels here....please help!!!!
spartangreek
cleaned throttle bottle; new EGR valve; New o2 sensor; tune up, wires, cap, rotor distributor all replaced; 3 new catalytic converters; new burn off relay; ( air filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure, fuel pressure regulator, coolant sensor all checked and "OK"
could this be the cylinder lock, bad keys, vats, ignition control module? the dealer noted that the coil showed signs of arcing but nothing was done about it. Don't want the dealer to run up a big bill spinning their wheels here....please help!!!!
spartangreek
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
Air spark & fuel basic stuff
TPI terminal G of ALDL will provide power to fuel pump
pull return line at tank look for clean gas
If no spark either module or pick-up in distributor
pick-up run around 500–1000ohms
got to have 12v at big red wire on distributor
you’ll have to find coil resistance
if you think injectors aren’t firing shoot some starting fluid down the intake and see if it sputters
have fun!
My 87 needed a pickup coil and sat for 3+ years started right up when we rehabbed distributor. We cleaned out tank and ran fresh fuel through the system
JS
TPI terminal G of ALDL will provide power to fuel pump
pull return line at tank look for clean gas
If no spark either module or pick-up in distributor
pick-up run around 500–1000ohms
got to have 12v at big red wire on distributor
you’ll have to find coil resistance
if you think injectors aren’t firing shoot some starting fluid down the intake and see if it sputters
have fun!
My 87 needed a pickup coil and sat for 3+ years started right up when we rehabbed distributor. We cleaned out tank and ran fresh fuel through the system
JS
