1988 Starting Problem
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 50
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From: Lisboa, PT
1988 Starting Problem
A friend of mine has a 1988 c4 Convert. Auto.
It will start and run for a few days without any problems,then it will not start and everything is dead.
He will wait for a few minutes and it will all be normal again.
He has three keys but the same happens to all of them.
Can someone help.Why is this happening and can it be solved???
Thank`s
Manuel.
It will start and run for a few days without any problems,then it will not start and everything is dead.
He will wait for a few minutes and it will all be normal again.
He has three keys but the same happens to all of them.
Can someone help.Why is this happening and can it be solved???
Thank`s
Manuel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (SENNA forever)
The VATS is not reading the correct resistance and it not allowing you to start the car.
The key? cylinder is probably bad. Someone who knows significantly more than me will probably be here in a few minutes to explain how to replace it.
The key? cylinder is probably bad. Someone who knows significantly more than me will probably be here in a few minutes to explain how to replace it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (marthpodi)
Sounds like a faulty starter solenoid. Can you sit in the car and just keep trying to turn the key until it finally starts? Mine did that. It was completely dead and after a few turns of the key it would turn over and start. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (SENNA forever)
If the keys are fairly new then its probably the ignition cylinder is worn so it doesn't read the key.
Maybe a VATS bypass would work?
I've got a similar problem - except mine is when the car is hot. Mine is probably heat soak in the starter, 15 years old its proabably time for a new one. I'll add it to the list of things to do when I put on the headers.
Maybe a VATS bypass would work?
I've got a similar problem - except mine is when the car is hot. Mine is probably heat soak in the starter, 15 years old its proabably time for a new one. I'll add it to the list of things to do when I put on the headers.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (SENNA forever)
What do you mean , "everything goes dead" ??? If no electrical equipment works, then I would remove both battery cables (neg first) and clean the cable lugs and the battery posts and reconnect (neg last). VATS will prevent cranking and can be tested by finding the wires from the ign sw that make with the pellet and unplugging the 2 pin connector and measuring the resistance on the wires from the ign sw with the key in place. The resistance should be same as the pellet. On my 87, the ign sw pellet wire is under the carpet on the floor by the steering column. If the resistance is very different than the pellet value, your ign sw needs replacing.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 50
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From: Lisboa, PT
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (jfb)
Thank you for your replies.
jfb - All the electrical equipment does not work.The funny thing (well not so funny ) is everytime this happens, after 4 minutes everything works OK.
The car will then be normal for a few days and will happen again.
Manuel.
jfb - All the electrical equipment does not work.The funny thing (well not so funny ) is everytime this happens, after 4 minutes everything works OK.
The car will then be normal for a few days and will happen again.
Manuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (SENNA forever)
You have a loose or corroded battery cable. Remove both of them and clean the cable lugs and the battery posts and reconnect (neg. last). You want your battery connections to be just like your lover, bright and tight! :D
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Lisboa, PT
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (jfb)
jfb - Will try your sugestion and make the connections just like my lover,bright and tight!...( I wish ) :D
Going out of town for a week will report the results then.
Thank`s for the help.
Manuel.
Going out of town for a week will report the results then.
Thank`s for the help.
Manuel.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: glendale Arizona
Re: 1988 Starting Problem (SENNA forever)
I have a 89 c4 convert auto and had similar problems, do your self a favor and run a wire from the little post of the starter over by the positive post of the battery, if this starting problem acts up again turn on the ignition and touch the wire to the positive post of the battery the motor will turn over and if it starts the problem is in your dash other wise check all battery and ground connections.
