C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Help, Start up Question!!

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Old May 28, 2002 | 10:57 AM
  #1  
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Default Help, Start up Question!!

Guys,

I've got a 91 Auto that all of a sudden will not crank. The starter is not engaging at all. Yesterday it was fine, today nothing. When I turn the key the radio, headlights, AC and everything comes on but the starter does not engage.

Don't know if there is an ignition switch problem, Transmission Switch prob, starter prob, or what? Any ideas on where and how to start checking?

Thanks,

Tony :confused:


[Modified by York67vette, 9:58 AM 5/28/2002]
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Old May 28, 2002 | 11:01 AM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (York67vette)

Start with the simple things. Could be your internal alarm system isn't recognizing your key chip. Disconnect your battery for about 3 minutes and then reconnect. Take some thinner or nail polish remover on a rag and wipe your ignition key. If your key chip is worn down, you may need to get a new but sometimes this little trick works....Good luck
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Old May 28, 2002 | 11:10 AM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (Quik86)

Thanks, I'm a new C4 owner and don't know the tricks yet. On the 67 it was simple, tighten a nut or something easy. This acts like a chip or switch problem and I just don't know all the things to check out on a C4.
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Old May 28, 2002 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (York67vette)

OK I tried the nail polish remover thing and got it to start but it still will only turn over about 1 in 30 tries. I don't have to wait the 3 minutes between tries. When it does start it seems to be on the 4th or 5th try and I get a grunt on the try just before it starts? :confused:
Got out the owners manual (when all else fails read the instructions) and it does not leave the security light on when it fails nor do I apear to have to wait 3 minutes to try again.

Could it be a bad switch, something with the steering column, etc? Any other ideas before I have to get a dealer involved? :bb
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Old May 28, 2002 | 02:42 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (York67vette)

Take your old key to the dealer and get a new one made (about $30). That completely solved my starting problem. If that doesn't completely fix it you are probably looking at a new ignition switch.
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Old May 28, 2002 | 02:45 PM
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Does the auto have to be in park to start? Try pressing the shifter with your hand even further into park. Perhaps the switch is not making full contact.
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Old May 28, 2002 | 04:01 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Thanks guys, I think I'm getting carpal-tunnel syndrome :lol: I know these dang headlights are getting a workout. Got it in my garage , its a Canada car so everytime I try to start it the headlights cycle on-off-on :smash:

Hey on a brighter note I ran it in 7 Autocross events this weekend, first time on the track, and all I can say is an L98 pulls like he77 outa the turns :reddevil and you can drive a C4 a heck of a lot further into a turn than you can a stock C2 :cheers:
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Old May 29, 2002 | 09:08 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (York67vette)

Here's a simple trial to fix, had a similar problem a while back, everything electrical would work but tne starter wouldn't when I turned the key. Terminals on the battery were tight but not tight enough. Took off, cleaned up a bit and reattached and snugged them up a bit more than previous, haven't had a problem since. Give it a try, can't hurt and its simple...
FRED
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Old May 30, 2002 | 01:54 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (ONEBAD89)

Will do, I checked the terminals but did not take them of, clean and reattach.
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Old May 30, 2002 | 02:37 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (York67vette)

Here's a couple of SWAG's for you.

1) Starter solenoid is bad.
2) Starter Motor is bad.

The most expensive and the hardest part to get to will fail first.
The easy things to fix will fail last.

It's the rule of chaos or Murphy or somebody but I've found it to be true.

The starter is not hard to change.
Consider one of the new smaller,hi-torque starters.
Make your Vette sound Mopar when it starts up.

Good luck with your start troubles.
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Old May 30, 2002 | 05:28 PM
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Default Re: Help, Start up Question!! (VetNutJim)

Looks like it was the starter :D Good thing is I got an aftermarket warranty when I bought the car a month ago. :yesnod:

Took it to a local dealer today and will be ready tonight for $50 :cheers:

Thanks for transfering the warranty George :cool:


[Modified by York67vette, 4:28 PM 5/30/2002]
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Old Jun 3, 2002 | 06:46 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Does the auto have to be in park to start? Try pressing the shifter with your hand even further into park. Perhaps the switch is not making full contact.
Yes it does. Although if it isn't fully in park already, unless he's got the parking brake on that thing would probably be halfway down the block by now............he better pray he's not on a hill. LOL. :jester
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