'88 occasionally won't start
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
'88 occasionally won't start
Have an '88 that has twice in the last month not started - as in, all lights show good, battery is charged, but started doesn't engage. First time I got it to run after moving the steering wheel column back all the way down. Second time I got it to start after disconnecting and reconnecting the positive battery terminal. Both times the radio died after startup. I'm hoping that is a key issue that will spark someone's memory.
I BELIEVE I could hear the relay by the radio clicking - I think it's part of the VATS.
I do have the FSM and will do a dive this weekend - just hoping someone might have a fix on the top of their noggin.
I BELIEVE I could hear the relay by the radio clicking - I think it's part of the VATS.
I do have the FSM and will do a dive this weekend - just hoping someone might have a fix on the top of their noggin.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 547
Likes: 230
Could possibly be VATS acting up. Start by using a DVOM to measure the resistance across the key pellet, and write it down. Next, try cleaning the key and pellet really well with electrical contact cleaner and a rag. If this doesn't help the problem, then at least you will know your key code, and you haven't hurt anything. As popular as C4s seem to be right now, I would be very hesitant to bypass or disable the VATS.
