1990 won't start
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
1990 won't start
Hi all. 1990 Coupe, electronic dash, auto transmission.
The car had an intermittent problem that seems to have become permanent: there's no current going to the starter when the key is turned to the start position.
For a while the car was leaving me stranded on hot days, even though all the power accessories worked fine(windows, lights, etc.), and I could hear the fuel pump.
Also, it generally wouldn't start at all on rainy days, but with different symptoms in that the power accessories showed know signs of life.
To deal with the "stranded on hot days" problem, I initially replaced the starter, which had no effect on the situation. In fact, the reman starter from AutoZone wouldn't crank, so I reinstalled the original starter and got it to run instantly (just enough to drive the car around and bed in the front brake pads I replaced at the same time).
Since that initial start-up, it's been a "Little Dead Corvette" (to the tune of the Prince song) in a friend's driveway. I replaced the ECM to no effect.
So, where I am now is that the car's got to be fixed and driven. Elsewise, I have to get it towed in the San Antonio area into the hands of a competent automotive electrical technician; more specifically, one who has some familiarity with this model car.
Any suggestions on self-repair and/or a reputable shop would be appreciated.
The car had an intermittent problem that seems to have become permanent: there's no current going to the starter when the key is turned to the start position.
For a while the car was leaving me stranded on hot days, even though all the power accessories worked fine(windows, lights, etc.), and I could hear the fuel pump.
Also, it generally wouldn't start at all on rainy days, but with different symptoms in that the power accessories showed know signs of life.
To deal with the "stranded on hot days" problem, I initially replaced the starter, which had no effect on the situation. In fact, the reman starter from AutoZone wouldn't crank, so I reinstalled the original starter and got it to run instantly (just enough to drive the car around and bed in the front brake pads I replaced at the same time).
Since that initial start-up, it's been a "Little Dead Corvette" (to the tune of the Prince song) in a friend's driveway. I replaced the ECM to no effect.
So, where I am now is that the car's got to be fixed and driven. Elsewise, I have to get it towed in the San Antonio area into the hands of a competent automotive electrical technician; more specifically, one who has some familiarity with this model car.
Any suggestions on self-repair and/or a reputable shop would be appreciated.
Last edited by rdhayward; Sep 29, 2011 at 09:57 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
If you can locate an FSM, 8a-30-4 has the diagnosis for this "no crank, no click." it starts with verifying voltage at the purple wire terminal on solenoid, in START mode, then goes to neutral safety switch or cutch switch, starter relay, vats, ign switch.
if you hear the fuel pump, the vats/ key read can still be disabled. vats controls starter relay, as you may know -but not the FP.
try the spare key if not already done. the no accessories on rainy days suggests a CORROSION issue, or battery/cables issue. may be unrelated, since you don't hear the solenoid coil click. a low battery might still pull in the solenoid enuff to click.
if you hear the fuel pump, the vats/ key read can still be disabled. vats controls starter relay, as you may know -but not the FP.
try the spare key if not already done. the no accessories on rainy days suggests a CORROSION issue, or battery/cables issue. may be unrelated, since you don't hear the solenoid coil click. a low battery might still pull in the solenoid enuff to click.
Last edited by joe paco; Sep 28, 2011 at 06:27 PM. Reason: correction "corrosion instead of ground"
