car starting problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MANTEO NC USA
car starting problem
In my 86 vette here lately it has been acitng funny. every now and then i will go to the car and it won't start at all doesn't. you can turn the key forward and everything but the car doesn't turn over. Then after awhile you can go to it and it will start just like it is supposed to. what is going on any ideas or similar problems?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
I had this same problem with my 88. It ended up being corroded battery connections. Disconnect the battery cables and pull out the bolts. I have corrosion between the bolt and the metal washer. After I cleaned them and replaced the bolts it hasent happened again
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: simi valley ca
Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
i have a similar problem with mine. mine would not turn over when i have driven it for about an hour. i thought it was a hot starter issue, and it turns out to be the neutral safety switch. it wasn't allowing enough current to go to the starter solenoid. i created a bypass switch just for the problem, but also putting the gear selector on neutral worked also.
i don't know if yours only act up when it is hot.
good luck.
joel
i don't know if yours only act up when it is hot.
good luck.
joel
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MANTEO NC USA
Re: car starting problem (qkvette)
it veries from time to time it may be ice cold or it could be when i started drove a mile down the road cut it off and go in the store and come out and it won't start come back a little while later and it starts just like normal and then doesn't do it again for weeks or months or days
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
Is there any sound that the starter is engaging? i.e. a click? Clean the battery cables. -- Duh... I should learn to remember what I read...
Does it happen with a different key? If so, clean the keys and maybe shoot some WD40 in the switch.
If you move the shift lever from park to neutral does it start? Back to park?
[Modified by John Row, 12:25 PM 1/24/2003]
Does it happen with a different key? If so, clean the keys and maybe shoot some WD40 in the switch.
If you move the shift lever from park to neutral does it start? Back to park?
[Modified by John Row, 12:25 PM 1/24/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MANTEO NC USA
Re: car starting problem (John Row)
it makes no sound of any sort. i will try to clean the battery cables tomorrow i went out tonight about 6pm and started it and let it run for a while and cut it off try to start it right back and it would not start at all i probably could go out there now and it start right up
- 1986 Original Owner -
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 3,193
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
Of course do as the others have said with regards to cleaning and checking battery cables and connections, but this really sounds like VATS especially on an '86.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/rayquayle/vats/vats.htm
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/rayquayle/vats/vats.htm
Racer
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 294
Likes: 69
From: Yorktown Heights New York
Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
Starter could be on its way out. Could try the old bang and clang method. Next time it doesnt start, try tappin on the starter with a bar and have someone crank it while you are tapping. BE CAREFUL.
If she engages while you are tapping, then new starter is required.
If she engages while you are tapping, then new starter is required.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Ludlow Ma
Re: car starting problem (Corvette_116)
I had the same problem and it was hard to find. Garage could never locate it.
I found a loose connection at the alternator. I soldered it when I got home and I never had the problem again.!! :D hope you find it!
I found a loose connection at the alternator. I soldered it when I got home and I never had the problem again.!! :D hope you find it!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: car starting problem (DADDY D)
If it still does it after cleaning the battery cables and battery posts, it could be VATS or the clutch safety switch. When it won't crank, jump the clutch sw and try a crank. If its VATS, you won't hear the click from behind the center of the dash in crank position, this is the VATS enable relay. First try your spare ign key as its pellet contacts are not worn like your everyday key. If no crank, then find the 2 pin connector under the carpet by the steering column, this is the contacts in the ign sw that make with the pellet. Unplug and put an ohmeter on the wires from the column and insert your ign key. The ohmeter should read the same resistance as the pellet. If over 10k, you need a new ign sw as the pellet contacts are worn. You can clip a fixed resistor the same value as your pellet onto the wires going to the passenger side (VATS module) and fool your VATS into thinking the correct key is in the ign. Don't permanently defeat VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column, jumping the ignition and your C4 is theirs.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MANTEO NC USA
Re: car starting problem (Corvette_116)
thanks for all your help come to find out it was the starter which i had changed about six months ago but put a new one on and it fires right once again thanks for your tips