just a few problems
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
just a few problems
so i bought a 91 corvette and it has a few problems...possibly a few maybe more who knows lol but heres the list, first thing i noticed when i got it was the brakes didnt work correctly, thought it was calipers but after changing all the calipers and brake pads it has to be the booster from what i read. i think the fuel pump is going out cuz it kinda studders when i floor it but idk. and the biggest one right now is i changed the battery and after a few times driving it around it wont start, i first saw a problem when it wouldnt start, opened and shut the door for some odd reason and tried it again and it worked, kept that up for a few more times and now nothing.....so im not the greatest machanic but im willing to try anything to get the car back into tip top shape except for taking it to the shop, any ideas where to start???
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Is da engine turning over when you turn da key??
Or... duz it du nuttin'???
Oh...my fault...
Could be a possible VATS/anti-theft issue.
Possible BCM/CCM failure due to the cars age....because the BCM/CCM is what read the value of the chip in your ignition key. If it "feels" that the car is trying to be stolen...due to the chip in the key or the area in the lock cylinder is worn out...and sending a false value to the BCM/CCM...it will shut down the ability of the car to start. Usually 7-9 minutes for the system to re-set.
Bad neutral safety switch...but you did not write if it is an automatic or manual.
Loose or corroded battery cables also.
You need a fuel pressure gauge before you buy stuff.
Could be bad or loose connections at the starter solenoid.
Can be many other "things". But WITHOUT a scanner to read what data stream is available...trying to work on an engine with issues is almost pointless due to this data stream is needed and will often direct you to a problem even though NO CODE is being stored and the "check engine" or Service Engine Soon" light is NOT coming on.
DUB
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
the cables on the car are good, im going to take the battery out and put it back in after i give it a full charge tomorrow to see if maybe i just put the cables on too loose or something the first time.
The car is manual by the way so it cant be the neutral safety switch.
And the key locks and unlocks the door just fine, is that a way to test the chip or...?
and its not quite petal to the floor all the time when it shudders but mostly when running through the 1st and 2nd gear if that helps
The car is manual by the way so it cant be the neutral safety switch.
And the key locks and unlocks the door just fine, is that a way to test the chip or...?
and its not quite petal to the floor all the time when it shudders but mostly when running through the 1st and 2nd gear if that helps
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,220
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From: Olive Branch Mississippi
Winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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If it starts after locking and unlocking the door with the key, not the fob, it's your anti theft system that's causing it. The activation is in the lock I think.
Common problem on C4's.
Common problem on C4's.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
so update on the starting problem, feeling pretty stupid about this one lol so seeing as how i had just replaced the battery when this started thinking the battery was bad didnt cross my mind, but thats exactly what it was, got a new battery with the warranty and presto started right up.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
I can not tell you how many electrical issues that I come across have to do with the connections at the battery.
Glad you got it fixed.
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Anaheim CA
And remember that battery cables have TWO ends. The connections to the engine block and starter are also important.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
Glad you had my back on that one. 
I have encountered numerous times...when I went and removed the nut that holds the positive cable on the starter solenoid (Pre-LT-1 engines)...that the stud on the solenoid is not totally secured...which can create an effect of a bad starter or battery. And the ground on the block...and all other grounds...and we all should know need to be clean and tight.DUB
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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For those that don't know any better ;
manual cars have a starter safety switch on the clutch pedal that performs the same function as the NSS.
Clutch pedal must be depressed before engine will crank over
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
And I'll be keeping an eye out for the alternator for sure