C4 Starting Issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 389
Likes: 128
From: Santa Maria CA
C4 Starting Issue
I have a 1996 LT1 and have had not a single mechanical issue for over 10 years. Recently, the starting became intermittent. Now when I turn the key, the dash lights illuminate, I hear a loud click, and the car goes completely dead as if there is no battery. I can start this process over by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. I considered it might be a VATS issue, but because the starter relay is clicking, I'm not so sure. What is perplexing is that the car goes stone cold dead right after the "click".
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas?
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,365
Likes: 2,731
I have a 1996 LT1 and have had not a single mechanical issue for over 10 years. Recently, the starting became intermittent. Now when I turn the key, the dash lights illuminate, I hear a loud click, and the car goes completely dead as if there is no battery. I can start this process over by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. I considered it might be a VATS issue, but because the starter relay is clicking, I'm not so sure. What is perplexing is that the car goes stone cold dead right after the "click".
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas?
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas?
How many miles? Has it ever to your knowledge had a starter replaced?
Sounds typical of a 'higher mile' C4 with a 'denso starter. There's several threads regarding that starter and what it likely needs. DO NOT buy a starter motor. No guarantee that the contacts, plunger and related parts will fix but it costs very little. If you do your own repairs - parts should e local.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 24, 2022 at 06:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 590
From: New Port Richey FL
It sounds like poor power connections to me, how old is the Battery and is there corrosion on the terminals. My car has done this same think Click Dead grab the Battery connection give a tug and it would start.
. So load test battery and clean connections make sure there tight not just snug work from there
. So load test battery and clean connections make sure there tight not just snug work from there
Last edited by s carter; Mar 24, 2022 at 06:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 389
Likes: 128
From: Santa Maria CA
It sounds like poor power connections to me, how old is the Battery and is there corrosion on the terminals. My car has done this same think Click Dead grab the Battery connection give a tug and it would start.
. So load test battery and clean connections make sure there tight not just snug work from there
. So load test battery and clean connections make sure there tight not just snug work from there
This issue started right after I changed the battery a couple months ago. Sure enough the quick disconnect had worked (very slightly) loose. DOH!!!
Starts like a brand new car now. Thank you for resetting my brain.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Glad you got it figured out. EXACT same thing happened to me due to not tight enough batt terminal. Car powered up, go to crank and the entire car goes dead. Had a new battery popped hood wiggled battery cable and retightened and it was fine.
Yours was a quick disconnect but I think the battery terminal style is prone to this happening (I had to make mine a lot tighter than I thought). I’ve read a few others her post the exact same thing!
Yours was a quick disconnect but I think the battery terminal style is prone to this happening (I had to make mine a lot tighter than I thought). I’ve read a few others her post the exact same thing!
