87 Won't start
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
87 Won't start
I have an 87 corvette, manual and all of a sudden it wouldn't start. It happened once while I was out and after about 10 or 15 min of trying it finally started and I got it home. However now I can't get it started again. All the normal lights come on when i turn the key but it doesn't crank. The security light does not come on. I hear no noise, clicking or anything like that from the starter (Which was replace about a year ago). I bypassed the clutch neutral switch. I'm kind of at a loss. Anyone have any ideas for me to try?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 38
From: Western Massachusetts
VGM,
I was just reading through the 1987 Owner's Manual and thought I would mention that maybe you have an issue with the resistor pellet in the ignition key. Have you tried one of your other keys? Is the key and the ignition key slot clean?
Maybe this will help you. If not, good luck.
Mike
I was just reading through the 1987 Owner's Manual and thought I would mention that maybe you have an issue with the resistor pellet in the ignition key. Have you tried one of your other keys? Is the key and the ignition key slot clean?
Maybe this will help you. If not, good luck.
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
I have an 87 corvette, manual and all of a sudden it wouldn't start. It happened once while I was out and after about 10 or 15 min of trying it finally started and I got it home. However now I can't get it started again. All the normal lights come on when i turn the key but it doesn't crank. The security light does not come on. I hear no noise, clicking or anything like that from the starter (Which was replace about a year ago). I bypassed the clutch neutral switch. I'm kind of at a loss. Anyone have any ideas for me to try?
begin with the purple wire on the starter solenoid, should show 12v with key in START. if it does, and you want to verify the terminal connection, use a short piece of wire and jump from the positive batt lug on starter to the purple terminal, key onor off. if starter engages, solenoid is defective..
if no 12v, work back towards ignition. neurtal bypass, starter relay, ignition switch.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
any tests should come after trying another key, but I think security stays on steady if key is not read, like on 91, but not sure about yours. security should blink until key is inserted and then go off if key is read.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,342
Likes: 264
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
"starter solenoid," not starter. it may be the starter but you heard no click, so solenoid not engaging the Bendix gear to flywheel.
any tests should come after trying another key, but I think security stays on steady if key is not read, like on 91, but not sure about yours. security should blink until key is inserted and then go off if key is read.
any tests should come after trying another key, but I think security stays on steady if key is not read, like on 91, but not sure about yours. security should blink until key is inserted and then go off if key is read.
VGM, see if there is a code 46 stored in ECM.
Do you know how to check for stored codes ?
After that, I would start from starter solenoid and back, as stated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
Joe, on 86-89, the security light is only for the theft deterrent alarm. They chip in key is handled by a separate VATS module.
VGM, see if there is a code 46 stored in ECM.
Do you know how to check for stored codes ?
After that, I would start from starter solenoid and back, as stated.
VGM, see if there is a code 46 stored in ECM.
Do you know how to check for stored codes ?
After that, I would start from starter solenoid and back, as stated.
My first instinct, now, is that key is not being read. no lights dimming, no noise, generally means no current flow thru relay or to solenoid. but everything is suspected until verified ok.
joe
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I replaced the starter and solenoid and it wasn't that, same problem. My Dad used a tool that bypasses the solenoid? and it cranks starts then dies instantly? Ive used two separate keys neither worked. I havent checked codes so I'll do that and see.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
the first indication is that the solenoid does or does not not have 12v in start mode. not enough information here to know.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 732
Likes: 72
From: the confused state CT
It's been a while since I worked on one of these but I believe the ignition lock cylinder has a couple of wires to read the key resistance pellet. Over the years they break so you now have an open circuit and the key does not get read. If I remember correctly you can pull off the hush panel at the bottom of the steering column to access the harness connector. You can then insert the key into the lock cylinder, take the connector apart and measure the key side for an open. You'll need a manual or maybe someone here can chime in as to which connector it is. I believe it's a two wire connector that uses small gauge wires, possibly the same color.
Gary
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Louisville Ky
measure resistance between each side of the key pellet. that will get you to the key code in case you want to install a resistor to bypass the vats. as the man said, may be wires inside of ign switch, or may be dirty contacts. you can spray an electrical cleaner into the lock, that might help, not likely, but easy.
post the key reading and someone will have the chart to get the number, 1-15 or so. I have it if I can locate it.
post the key reading and someone will have the chart to get the number, 1-15 or so. I have it if I can locate it.
