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Hi guys,
I'm running into a couple issues with my vette.
1) I get pressure when I open gas cap. I replaced the gas cap and problem not solved yet. I'm thinking there is an issue behind that but no clue what could it be. Any suggestion?
2)I do have trouble starting the car something. I had the battery and alternator tested and both are fine. I turn the ignition on, try to crank but nothing happens like a dead battery. Starter is not even trying to work. However, when i repeat the process, but do not try to crank, i hear the starter (I suppose) turning on, and the start right away. It usually happens when the car is cold. Could it be the starter going bad or ignition switch?
I've had both issues for a couple months now, just time to care of it.
(PS: Not to mention that I got a bullet in my rear tire this week!!!!)
QUESTION 1: You can have a plugged up vapor line that goes to the charcoal canister...and I have had the charcoal particles come out of the canister and get sucked in the line/hose going to the engine on the passenger side....and plug it up.
QESTION 2: It can be the chip in your ignition key and OR the lock cylinder in your column going bad. It sounds like from what you wrote....that when it is DEAD...the car 'thinks' it is being stolen so the starter will not work...and if you wait 5-8 minutes for the system to re-set....and it cranks...it can be in your VATS system. Highly probable.
The 'noise' you may be hearing for 2 SECONDS is the fuel pump priming.....if it DOES NOT make noise...chances are the car will not start. This hum is normal when the pump gets turned on.
For Question 2: Well the thing is that the steering wheel unlock normally, dash is on, no engine light, everything looks normal until I turn the key on. The fuel pump turns on, and nothing. I wait a sec, turn the key again and try to start and start right away. I don't see the ignition key but a more mechanical issue.
When you try to start the car and nothing happens is the starter enable relay clicking? It is located on the firewall at the bottom of the steering column. If it does not click then there might be a VATS issue. Unfortunately the VATS error code was eliminated from the computer in your year so you can't check for that.
If you turn the key and NOTHING...then turn it off and then right away...turn it again and the car cranks...I would consider these possibilities.
Chances it is NOT the VATS system due to if the system 'thinks' that you are trying to steal the car...it will shut down and you will not be able to crank it fora at least 5-8 minutes...because the system will re-set.
REMOVE you battery cable terminals...NEGATIVE cable FIRST and then the POSITIVE. VISUALLY verify that the cable ends are CLEAN....and the area on the battery also. If not...clean them and when you re-attach them. Make sure they are TIGHT. I can not tell you how many Corvettes I get in that either have dirty/corroded cable ends or the cables are loose. AND can cause the car not to want to crank...but yet everything else works perfectly. AND this is because the amount of AMPS that the starter needs...can not 'flow' due to resistance at the cable ends. That is why it is IMPERATIVE that your cable ends are clean and tight.
NOW...checking the other ens of these cables is advised...but a vast majority of the time...90% of the time it is at the cable ends at the battery. AND YES...I have had customers drive to the shop to talk to me...and 10 minutes later, they get in the car to leave and NOTHING...The car will not crank.....I have them 'pop' the hood...I reach and manually tighten the cable(s) by turning it 'just a frog hair'...and the car cranks.
You will need to access the starter enable relay and when it gives you a problem...you will need to have a volt meter to check and see if it is getting power to it....and then sending the power to the starter....which should still be the large 12 gauge purple wire.
It can be in the park/neutral switch. IF it does it again. While turning the key. Press down on the shifter button and wiggle the shifter just a little bit back and forth.
It can also be the ignition switch that is mounted to the steering column on the outside of it. It can be loosing nits ability to carry the amp load also.
So it is going to be so important that you have the wiring diagram of the starting circuit and check it well.
I know you have basically decent mileage...but it is still an AGE issue.
94 auto - Starting issue + Fuel Pressure
