1988 cold start problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
1988 cold start problem
I turn the key and wait for 2-3 seconds. After waiting a couple seconds I turn the key all the way and it fires right up ALWAYS. Now for some reaon half the time it seems like it floods out and wont start. I come back to it hours later and it will fire right up or not the same issue ! However when it does start I never have a problem starting it again ONLY when it is cold. I cant help but think the problem is the engine being cold. I have read the threads about the 9th injector ? Can anyway tell me how to trouble shoot this problem ? Thanks I always get the right advice here on Corvette Forum.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
The cold start injector is controlled by the cold start thermal switch on the front of the intake manifold under the throttle body. It has a connector that looks like a fuel injector connector.
The cold start switch only gets power while the engine is CRANKING. It has a thermal element that times out and turns off after 8 seconds. The thermal switch will also cause it to open if the coolant temperature is above 95 degrees F.
The cold start switch/cold start injector combination is completely independent of the ECM and the ECM has no control over it.
You can disable the cold start injector by unplugging it. If you think the engine is flooding out, you can go to "clear flood" mode by holding down the gas pedal. The ECM shuts off the injectors when you do this.
The cold start switch only gets power while the engine is CRANKING. It has a thermal element that times out and turns off after 8 seconds. The thermal switch will also cause it to open if the coolant temperature is above 95 degrees F.
The cold start switch/cold start injector combination is completely independent of the ECM and the ECM has no control over it.
You can disable the cold start injector by unplugging it. If you think the engine is flooding out, you can go to "clear flood" mode by holding down the gas pedal. The ECM shuts off the injectors when you do this.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Cliff thank you for taking the time and showing interest in my post. It is really weird how only sometimes it wont start when it is cold. I just dont get it ? When it starts I never have a problem starting it again. It ony happens when I first try to start the car and only sometimes. I am concerned because it will just crank and not turn over. I only did this once as I dont want to abuse my car. Twice it has not started and I just walk away leaving it sit. Today I turned the key until the lights come on wait a few seconds then turn the key all the way and it started right up. Who knows whats going on ? I might not have a problem at all for all I know.
