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

Can't start help!

Old Jan 16, 2014 | 09:22 PM
  #1  
C4whitevette's Avatar
C4whitevette
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Default Can't start help!

I'm working on a project it's a gift that was handed down from my father it's a 88 vette with a l98 and I can't try to start it because of what I believe to be the neutral safety switch! It's a manual Trans and I was wondering if anyone has any idea of where this could be or what to do to make the corvette start up! Thanks!
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 10:50 PM
  #2  
don hall's Avatar
don hall
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Try ebay for a set of FSMs (Factory Service Manuals).
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 11:15 PM
  #3  
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leesvet
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Yep...

you can't diagnose a C4 without the manuals.
lemme give you a partial list of what can keep it from starting...

BTW, do you mean it cranks but will not fire?
or
does not turn over...does nothing when the key is turned?

ok, the list...

starter enable switch in VATS circuit
starter solenoid
cables/grounds/pos cable
fuel pump/pressure, no firing
dist
key switch/ign switch
battery jumper post fusable links
many many other misc things...
A LOT of stuff has to happen before the engine will rotate and fire & run.

if you have some evidence that the trans safety switch is at fault, its under the console where the shifter lives.

There is also a clutch IF its a manual trans...

You got a LOT of things to check and a process to follow before tearing into anything !

Get those FSM books asap. They detail the process.
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 11:20 PM
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there a quite a few things it could be. Before throwing parts at it do some testing. Is the battery fully charged. Are you sure the right resistor is in the key? Is the starter good? The first thing is to make sure your battery is charged and up to par. If that is good you need to have 12 volts on the s term of the starter when they key is turned to crank if you have this and it does not start starter is bad. If you do not have this then you need to look into the VATS system. this is when you must know if you have the right resistor for the system. check these things then ask some more questions
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Old Jan 16, 2014 | 11:34 PM
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Okay I will thanks guys for the help!
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Old Jan 17, 2014 | 07:36 AM
  #6  
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ynot d
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manual trans-neutral safety switch???
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Old Jan 17, 2014 | 10:36 AM
  #7  
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Like others have said, we need more info as to what is happening when you turn the key.
Did the car run okay before? How long has it sat? Did you depress the clutch pedal while turning the key?
Give us a little more to go on and we will help you get it fired up.
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