1987 Vette: Will not start.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
1987 Vette: Will not start.
I have a 1987 Vette and recently the car has not been starting. When i put in the key the turn, all the lights come on but you can't even hear the engine. I've looked around online and heard things from the chip on the key is worn out or it's something with the VAT system. I know this problem is out here and hear it all the time but can't seem to get down to exactly what is causing this. Does anyone know? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: Norcross GA
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (psukid13)
If it is VATS, you will need to replace the lock cylinder. The contacts in the cylinder wear down and don't contact the key-chip.
I have very good success by inserting the key, then giving it a jiggle before the twist. If it doesn't work,.... you get to sit and wait.
If it does start,.... a new key/chip may by you some time, till you get a new cylinder.
I have very good success by inserting the key, then giving it a jiggle before the twist. If it doesn't work,.... you get to sit and wait.
If it does start,.... a new key/chip may by you some time, till you get a new cylinder.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: 80/680 junction Ca.
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (psukid13)
With an automatic the clutch switch wouldn't be it. I too have an 87 and when I went to pick it up at the body shop a few months back it did the same thing. Everything seemed fine, except the engine wouldn't crank, no clicking, nothing. This guy there comes out with a jumper box and say let's give this a try. We hook it up to the battery and it fired right up. I don't know what the deal was but it worked. Try and jump start it and see what happens, maybe you'll get lucky. :confused:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,889
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From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (psukid13)
I have an automatic. So it wouldn't be the clutch, right?
If I had to do that one over again, I would work some overtime and just take it in and write a check instead :lol:
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (Maximus9000)
but if it was the battery then why are all of my dashboard lights lit perfectly and my headlights can work??? :confused:
I can start it the majority of the time. But sometimes, when it doesn't start, i have to wait for like 10-15 minutes b4 it'll start again. Does this mean that the security system takes that long to reset itself???
I can start it the majority of the time. But sometimes, when it doesn't start, i have to wait for like 10-15 minutes b4 it'll start again. Does this mean that the security system takes that long to reset itself???
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (psukid13)
If you at least don't hear the start enable relay click behind the center of the dash, then it sounds like VATS preventing a start. Find the two pin connector under the carpet on the floor by the steering column. This brings the ign sw contacts that make with the pellet over to the VATS module. Unplug and with the key in, measure the resistance of the wires from the steering column. The resistance should be the same as the pellet. If over 10k ohms, you need a new ign sw. You can temporarily defeat VATS until you can get the new ign sw by clipping a fixed resistor the same value as your pellet on the two wires going to the passenger side . This will make VATS believe the correct ign key is in the sw. You can also jump the xmsn selector sw to prove that it is not that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: 1987 Vette: Will not start. (AquaMetallic94LT1)
Check your codes. There are some conditions that will set a VATS code and your headed in the right direction. Sounds like VATS to me. Check to see if there are any service bulletins associated with 87. Believe there is one about the cylinder locks. Eventually, the good ole mulitmeter point check will be required.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Did it start yet?
Usually if VATS gets ya' you have to wait 10 minutes before trying again. For peace of mind clean the resistor contacts on your key (it isn't a computer chip, mearly a resistor) with some rubbing alcohol.
Usually if VATS gets ya' you have to wait 10 minutes before trying again. For peace of mind clean the resistor contacts on your key (it isn't a computer chip, mearly a resistor) with some rubbing alcohol.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have a 1987 Vette and recently the car has not been starting. When i put in the key the turn, all the lights come on but you can't even hear the engine. I've looked around online and heard things from the chip on the key is worn out or it's something with the VAT system. I know this problem is out here and hear it all the time but can't seem to get down to exactly what is causing this. Does anyone know? Thanks.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have a 1987 Vette and recently the car has not been starting. When i put in the key the turn, all the lights come on but you can't even hear the engine. I've looked around online and heard things from the chip on the key is worn out or it's something with the VAT system. I know this problem is out here and hear it all the time but can't seem to get down to exactly what is causing this. Does anyone know? Thanks.
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