no start issue lt4
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
no start issue lt4
drove my car to work and everything was fine as usual. when it was time to leave, I took the top off, put it in the back and went to start it. I got nothing, not even a click. all the lights, gauges, radio etc all came on and worked but the engine would not turn over. I never lock it and have never even heard the alarm but I thought maybe it was something with the VATS so I tried unlocking and locking the doors with the key. still got nothing. went inside to call for a ride and when I came back out it turned right over as if nothing were wrong. Battery connections are fine and voltage is good. I just want to get this fixed so I dont get stuck. what should I be looking at (yes I know, FSM) I have been going through it but have not found the cause. maybe one of you had a similar problem. anything I should check with on the VATS or are there any relays that could cause this. Fuses are all good. it is a 6 speed, are there any sensors for anti theft. I dont think taking the roof off caused this but maybe some sequence of events like opening the door and hatch triggered the VATS which is where I am looking in FSM now. it has not happened since. thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Very easy to tell if the VATS is playing with you. When it does this, while you're turning the key look to see if the security light is on. If it is, then it is the VATS preventing the car from starting. I think it is a 10 min. lockout? Something like that before it resets.
Try using some rubbing alcohol on the key pellet, there may be some build up on it. I know this has worked for me, as I have experienced this three or times in the last seven years.
Try using some rubbing alcohol on the key pellet, there may be some build up on it. I know this has worked for me, as I have experienced this three or times in the last seven years.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Very easy to tell if the VATS is playing with you. When it does this, while you're turning the key look to see if the security light is on. If it is, then it is the VATS preventing the car from starting. I think it is a 10 min. lockout? Something like that before it resets.
Try using some rubbing alcohol on the key pellet, there may be some build up on it. I know this has worked for me, as I have experienced this three or times in the last seven years.
Try using some rubbing alcohol on the key pellet, there may be some build up on it. I know this has worked for me, as I have experienced this three or times in the last seven years.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
Also clean the contacts inside the Ign barrel that read the key pellet, they also get crudded up
From use over time ,the resistor pellet will wear so get a new spare key before your old one leaves you stranded because it can no longer be read correctly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Could be this too if not the VATS. If the security light is not present, then look here. When the symptom presents, if you're not afraid of a few sparks, you can use a screw driver to jump the positive and ground connection on the starter. If it doesn't crank, it's your problem.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Could be this too if not the VATS. If the security light is not present, then look here. When the symptom presents, if you're not afraid of a few sparks, you can use a screw driver to jump the positive and ground connection on the starter. If it doesn't crank, it's your problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
so i just touch a screw driver across the 2 connections and the starter should crank? guessing you have to jack it up to crawl under there or can you do it from the top? I will figure it out. just hope it happens in my garage, we all know it will not. Thanks that great info to know.
Did it no start on you again, and the light was off?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
You'll have to get under the car, yes. Make sure the park brake is on and the car is in neutral. Just touch the stem of the crew driver to the pos and neg bolts on the starter. It will spark and the starter will engage and turn the FW.
Did it no start on you again, and the light was off?
Did it no start on you again, and the light was off?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
And if it's anything like mine, it won't while you're looking for it. Then. after awhile and you've long forgotten, blam, outta no where. Like I said, it's done it to me three times in seven years, completely random. And I daily drove it for the better part of six of those years. I think, if it is the VATS, it may just be an electrical anomoly that these things have on rare occaision. Just happens, goes away, doesn't happen again for a long time or never.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
I do have 2 sets of keys, one that I hardly ever use and I may have used those that day. Just going to clean them all up like you guys suggested and hope for the best. At least next time it happens I can have somewhat of a clue and maybe diagnose it or at eliminate possibilities.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 440
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From: Springfield Ohio