Car won't start.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,787
Likes: 0
From: My own state of mind
Car won't start.
I did put over 2 gallons of gas in the tank so I know it's not out of gas. The car tries to start, idles roughly from 300-500 (not normal for my car), and then won't stay running. The computer also threw no codes at me. I've had the ECM, fuel pump, and fuel filter replaced recently also. I checked the spark plug wires and found no mishaps either. Does this sound like an ignition problem or a fuel delivery problem?
Matt
Matt
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Car won't start. (Golden80)
It almost sounds like your idle air control isn't opening up far enough. What happens if you hold the throttle open a little bit? Will it run but just not idle or does it run bad all the time?
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Car won't start. (Golden80)
Ok, do you have any means for checking the fuel pressure? I know you said you had the pump and filter replaced, this means you should be making very good pressure. If you're not then maybe your injectors are probably leaking and flooding it.
One thing you can try is to put the fuel pressure gauge on it and turn on the key, that should pressurize the system. Turn the key off and see how long it takes for the fuel pressure to fall off. It should hold it for quite a long time. If it falls then your injectors are in fact leaking.
I suppose EGR could be an issue as well. If your EGR valve is stuck open that'll cause all kinds of goofy problems. Don't know and easy way to test that though.
One thing you can try is to put the fuel pressure gauge on it and turn on the key, that should pressurize the system. Turn the key off and see how long it takes for the fuel pressure to fall off. It should hold it for quite a long time. If it falls then your injectors are in fact leaking.
I suppose EGR could be an issue as well. If your EGR valve is stuck open that'll cause all kinds of goofy problems. Don't know and easy way to test that though.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Car won't start. (StarShipCmdr)
Disconnect the MAF (Mass Airflow) Sensor - unplug it - and try it. If it starts, the MAF is bad. Good Luck.
Ray
Ray
Golden80, do you have access to a spare MAF you could throw in place of yours as a check? What Nathan said about checking the fuel pressure would be a good place to look too. However, if it dies that quick, I don't think it would be the fuel pump. Usually the car will run well for about a minute before a malfunctioning fuel pump will manifest itself. At least in my experiences.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,787
Likes: 0
From: My own state of mind
Re: Car won't start. (NoWorries)
The car won't start at all this morning. The starter just keeps spinning but the engine won't start. I'll check the ignition later today.
Matt
[Modified by Golden80, 8:31 AM 9/29/2002]
Matt
[Modified by Golden80, 8:31 AM 9/29/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Car won't start. (Golden80)
Fuel and spark, always a good place to start.
As a matter on note, believe around 400 RPM, your ignition module switches from bypass mode to having the ECM control spark. This solid state switch takes place in the ignition module based on a signal from the ECM. Trouble shooting chart in Helms is very good for this problem. Always suspicious of any troubles around this RPM range. When you run out of ideas, you may have some good parts store check your ignition module. And, since it won't start at all, we are back to fuel and spark.
So many things.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
[Modified by dlmeyers, 10:13 AM 9/29/2002]
As a matter on note, believe around 400 RPM, your ignition module switches from bypass mode to having the ECM control spark. This solid state switch takes place in the ignition module based on a signal from the ECM. Trouble shooting chart in Helms is very good for this problem. Always suspicious of any troubles around this RPM range. When you run out of ideas, you may have some good parts store check your ignition module. And, since it won't start at all, we are back to fuel and spark.
So many things.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
[Modified by dlmeyers, 10:13 AM 9/29/2002]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,787
Likes: 0
From: My own state of mind
Re: Car won't start. (dlmeyers)
Well just got back from Napa. They tested the control module 3 times and it worked fine. Should the next thing I look at be the coil? I think I have an extra sitting around my garage somewhere.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,787
Likes: 0
From: My own state of mind
Re: Car won't start. (Golden80)
Now when I crank the motor the starter's just making a loud clicking noise. It'll crank the motor a little bit but then it just starts clicking. Is is safe to assume that it's the starter? Or am I going to end up replacing a flywheel?
Matt
Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Car won't start. (Golden80)
Get a volt meter and check battery voltage. Could be not enough amps to crank the starter. Really low voltage can lead to lots of problems.
Then we start checking for voltage drop.
Keep the faith.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Then we start checking for voltage drop.
Keep the faith.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 10,787
Likes: 0
From: My own state of mind
Re: Car won't start. (dlmeyers)
The battery was just running out of juice from me cranking it to try and start it. I had it towed to the shop today. The mechanic says the fuel sender is toast and he's going to try and solder it back together. If that doesn't work he says I'll need to get a new one. Looks like my wallet's going to be super thin. :cry :cry :cry
