my 1996 won't start
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
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my 1996 won't start
My 1996 Corvette won't start as it only cranks over very strong with the new battery. The car has been sitting for a year without starting and driving it do to medical problems. I tried starting it the last 2 days and not even a sound, just cranking. The car only has 18K mikes on it since I purchased it new and it also has never been driven in the rain, only sunny weather. Yes, their is a 1/4 tank of gas in it. Anyone ever have the problem or have any ideas what to do?
thank you, Fast Eddie
thank you, Fast Eddie
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 658
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From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I'd hit it with a shot of starting fluid or carb cleaner. If it tries to run you know it may be a fuel problem. If not ignition problem. HTH.
Joe K
Joe K
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When you turn the key to the run position, can you hear the fuel pump run? If so, check for spark, I use a long Phillips screwdriver in the spark plug side of a plug wire held 1/4” from the head. Fuel pump running, good spark...time to check injector pulse and go deeper. Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 66
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From: Phoenix AZ
Not sure if you have the PKE system but when I did the transmission on my 94 it would not start after sitting fro a while without the battery connected. We were trying everything and noticed the security blinking so I locked and unlocked the drivers door with the key to disengage the security system and it started. Might want to try this before looking deeper..
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 658
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From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Just because you hear the pump doesn't mean it's working correctly. You need to check the pressure at the valve on the injector rails. 34-39 psi and holds steady.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
+1 on fuel pressure. If you have fuel pressure then it's time to get a noid light. Unplug any injector and plug in the noid light. It should be flashing while the engine is cranking.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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