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I have a 1990 Corvette and when I go to crank the car it's fine it will crank right up but when u turn it off and go back to crank it 30 mins later it won't do anything the lights will come has plenty of battery power but it won't turn over but then u wait another 15 to 30 mins and it will crank right up...I'm almost afraid to trust it to go anywhere
Last edited by Bev&Johnny; Jun 8, 2016 at 07:49 PM.
Reason: Worded my problem the wrong way
Try your other key. So when it will not turn over you have dash lights? Do you hear any clicking or your fuel pump in the back hum for two seconds? Does it do it all the time or just once every now and then?
Last edited by antfarmer2; Jun 8, 2016 at 07:59 PM.
Just a little info needed, Car starts no problem cold drive it get it all heated up to normal operating temps. try to restart and starter does nothing?
if thats the case first you need to be sure the battery and charging system is working good.
Because as temps. under the hood go up so does Resistances in the wires, you could be the victim of a Heat Soaked Starter.
Had a similar problem in my 1988 recently. Rule out VATS, then check your battery.
I thought my starter was going bad, but my battery (less than 1 yr old) failed a load test abysmally. Be careful of battery testers at the autozone etc..
Just a little info needed, Car starts no problem cold drive it get it all heated up to normal operating temps. try to restart and starter does nothing?
if thats the case first you need to be sure the battery and charging system is working good.
Because as temps. under the hood go up so does Resistances in the wires, you could be the victim of a Heat Soaked Starter.
I just saw this reply and someone else told me something similar to this but it don't hurt to get a few opinions before I try to do anything
Only got one key with it... Wouldn't u know it that's probably my problem and have no idea what to do now
Have another key or two made. Do you hear the pump run for two seconds when it does not crank this will tell a lot. Go out and play with it just turn the key on without cranking. You should hear the pump run for two seconds. When it does not start if you do not hear the pump most likely just a worn key. If you clean it might help too for short term.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Jun 8, 2016 at 08:11 PM.
[QUOTE=Big Bird 88;1592383024]Had a similar problem in my 1988 recently. Rule out VATS, then check your battery.
I thought my starter was going bad, but my battery (less than 1 yr old) failed a load test abysmally. Be careful of battery testers at the autozone etc..[/QUOTES...My battery is a new one and had it checked at advance auto and they say it's fine so idk
Having keys made unless you only have one is foolish! I'd maybe wait for more diagnostics.
OP/BEV - '90 Corvettes have issues that unless you do your own maintenance are maybe difficult to sort. The advice to check the condition of the battery and the alternator charging system is a very good start. VERY GOOD START!! Important! If you've any doubt about the battery "BUY ONE" - if someone say it's marginal "BUY ONE"
Is the car an automatic or a six speed? It will make a difference in a "maybe what next". A starter enable relay modification is a very wise thing to consider for a '90 and the '90 uses a 'Denso branded starter which if is original can generally be saved by a less than $30 package or to really skimp $10 -$12 for contacts. If the starter is original I'd repair vs. buying an off the shelf reman unless you've no options
Ive tried to get a cpl made but found no one to do it where the chip is in it
[QUOTE=Big Bird 88;1592383024]Had a similar problem in my 1988 recently. Rule out VATS, then check your battery.
I thought my starter was going bad, but my battery (less than 1 yr old) failed a load test abysmally. Be careful of battery testers at the autozone etc..[/QUOTES...My battery is a new one and had it checked at advance auto and they say it's fine so idk
There is no magic wand a number of things could cause an intermittent start issue.
Here's a few:
Battery voltage should be over 12V (engine etc off)
Battery terminals need to be clean & tight.
Starter cable @ the starter + the small "trigger" wire on the starter solenoid also clean & tight.
Battery ground wire @ the frame under the battery tray (favorite) & engine ground wire to frame = clean & tight.
Ignition switch may need adjustment.
If M6 the clutch switch may need adjustment/replaced.
If A4 the neutral start switch may need adjustment/replaced. Try starting it in neutral instead of park.
Try your other ignition key the VATS (vehicle anti theft system) my be problematic.
Having keys made unless you only have one is foolish!
OP/BEV - '90 Corvettes have issues that unless you do your own maintenance are maybe difficult to sort. The advice to check the condition of the battery and the alternator charging system is a very good start. VERY GOOD START!! Important! If you've any doubt about the battery "BUY ONE" - if someone say it's marginal "BUY ONE"
Is the car an automatic or a six speed? It will make a difference in a "maybe what next". A starter enable relay modification is a very wise thing to consider for a '90 and the '90 uses a 'Denso branded starter which if is original can generally be saved by a less than $30 package or to really skimp $10 -$12 for contacts. If the starter is original I'd repair vs. buying an off the shelf reman unless you've no options
Thanks for the info...Will check on having it repaired..It's a 6 speed automatic
Last edited by Bev&Johnny; Jun 8, 2016 at 08:12 PM.
Thanks for the info...Will check on having it repaired..It's a 6 speed automatic
I'll buy the AUTO but NOT the 6 speed.
Do you have someone that services your cars regularly?
Everything that "Churchkey" mentions are possibilities but if the car "cranks" consistently when cold, battery, charging system positive cable and wires at starter.
Second maybe just replacing the starter enable relay, easiest and maybe least expensive second move.
Disregard all of the comments in this post regarding VATS until/unless you can confirm it's an issue BUT the SER replacement is pretty well documented for a '90. The modification that's done by many/most isn't but maybe after a KNOWN GOOD BATTERY it might be next!
Do you have someone that services your cars regularly?
Everything that "Churchkey" mentions are possibilities but if the car "cranks" consistently when cold, battery, charging system positive cable and wires at starter.
Second maybe just replacing the starter enable relay, easiest and maybe least expensive second move.
Disregard all of the comments in this post regarding VATS until/unless you can confirm it's an issue BUT the SER replacement is pretty well documented for a '90. The modification that's done by many/most isn't but maybe after a KNOWN GOOD BATTERY it might be next!
I've never had any major problems til now and yea I'm a female but as for changing oil,transmission fluids I do it myself it's alot cheaper..My dad taught me alot before he passed
Try your other key. So when it will not turn over you have dash lights? Do you hear any clicking or your fuel pump in the back hum for two seconds? Does it do it all the time or just once every now and then?
It does it every day now it's really getting on my nerves lol but seriously I'm afraid to go to far from home n it til I do find the problem but thanks for all the info...
It does it every day now it's really getting on my nerves lol but seriously I'm afraid to go to far from home n it til I do find the problem but thanks for all the info...
If it is the vats the pump will not run try my test free and easy.