Won't Start Up
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Won't Start Up
I recently purchased a 1985 Vette. I took it on two test drives and started it up a total of probably three times. Each time it started right up. I stopped to get it notarized, then went to start it to go home. It wouldn't start. It wouldn't even crank. The battery was fine, so that's not the issue. The only possible thing I can think of is the starter, but I tapped on it with a hammer and nothing happened when I tried starting it again. Could it be a security feature or something else? Any suggestion would be helpful. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Test for 12 volts at all times on the B terminal of the starter, test for 12 volts on the S terminal of the starter when someone turns the key to start, and test for 12 volts at the M terminal when someone turns the key to start. Finally test for ground on the casing of the starter.
If you get 12 volts on B, 12 volts on S, and 12 volts on M, the starter is bad.
If you get 12 volts on B, 12 volts on S and no voltage on M, the solenoid is bad.
If you don't get 12 volts on B, then there is a lose or broken or corroded connection on the battery cable to the starter.
If you don't get 12 volts on the S terminal then you could have bad wiring, bad relay, blown fuse, or bad ignition switch. If this is the case report back with this information and we will help you go into further diagnosis.
If you don't get ground, check all of your engine grounds and make sure your starter and the starter mounting surface are very clean.
If you get 12 volts on B, 12 volts on S, and 12 volts on M, the starter is bad.
If you get 12 volts on B, 12 volts on S and no voltage on M, the solenoid is bad.
If you don't get 12 volts on B, then there is a lose or broken or corroded connection on the battery cable to the starter.
If you don't get 12 volts on the S terminal then you could have bad wiring, bad relay, blown fuse, or bad ignition switch. If this is the case report back with this information and we will help you go into further diagnosis.
If you don't get ground, check all of your engine grounds and make sure your starter and the starter mounting surface are very clean.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Is the car manual or auto?? If manual you have a clutch switch, if an auto you need to be in either neutral or park.. Also IIRC there is a starter interrupt relay, that have to provide a path to the starter from the ignition.. 
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
It is automatic. I tried starting it in both park and neutral but nothing happened. It seems like a dead battery but it isn't. I'm not sure I'll troubleshoot it and try to find out the problem. Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
If the relay is faulty you will get no power to the starter
Need to check for power at the interupt relay ; key in START position
If no power in on grn/ wht ,NSS is faulty.
If no power out of relay , it is suspect
If no power into NSS , then need to check power on the yellow out of the Ign switch
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I think this is the drawing for the 85..
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Little behind vetteoz, either drawing should work for you..
[IMG]
[/IMG]Little behind vetteoz, either drawing should work for you..
Last edited by ccrazor; May 1, 2014 at 11:04 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
The starter enable relay is controlled by the security system. It must be disarmed to start the engine. With the door open and ignition off the SECURITY light should be flashing. If the SECURITY light is on solid then the security system is armed.
The security system is disarmed by unlocking the door. There is a switch attached to the lock cylinder. Sometimes it will not disarm the security system if the key is not returned to the vertical position when unlocking the door.
Usually the horn will honk if the door is opened while the security system is armed, but sometimes people disconnect the horn relay or horns.
The security system is disarmed by unlocking the door. There is a switch attached to the lock cylinder. Sometimes it will not disarm the security system if the key is not returned to the vertical position when unlocking the door.
Usually the horn will honk if the door is opened while the security system is armed, but sometimes people disconnect the horn relay or horns.