C4 won’t start
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
C4 won’t start
So I have a 1990 c4 I believe the vats has a bypassed but it’s just connected to a resistor. The car has a new starter, new alternator, good battery. The key I been using is the key with a resistor chip and it’s the only key I was given with the car. The car was running fine and out of no where it just doesn’t wanna turn on anymore the security flashes when I open the door but when I put the key in the ignition the light goes away then I turn it to the “on” position and the security light comes back in and turns solid and it cuts the car from starting. I tried resetting the key I did it a couple times still nothing light didn’t turn off.im just wanna get my car running again any solutions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
simple things first. If there is a bypass it is under the dash. You need to ensure it has not come unplugged. Then you can use a meter to check the chip in the key and the bypass resistor to ensure the same reading. Resistors do fail.
If there is not bypass and they key was doing it's job, it may have failed or the contacts just wore down too much to make good contact.
If there is not bypass and they key was doing it's job, it may have failed or the contacts just wore down too much to make good contact.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
simple things first. If there is a bypass it is under the dash. You need to ensure it has not come unplugged. Then you can use a meter to check the chip in the key and the bypass resistor to ensure the same reading. Resistors do fail.
If there is not bypass and they key was doing it's job, it may have failed or the contacts just wore down too much to make good contact.
If there is not bypass and they key was doing it's job, it may have failed or the contacts just wore down too much to make good contact.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
I think most all anti theft systems interrupt the power going to the solenoid so if you hear the click the starter is suspect. That solenoid moves the starter gear against the flywheel and makes the electrical connection between battery and motor. Due the the high current draw the contacts in the solenoid burn just a little with each start. Enough burns and you get a insulator formed over the contacts. A bad battery or loose cable can also do this. The starter grounds to the engine block but there should be a heavy ground cable between engine and frame/battery negative terminal. Check cables, check battery then check starter.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 56
Likes: 13
Unplug the Neg terminal on the battery for about 10-15 minutes.
Hook it back up and try to start it again.
Mine did similar and I had triggered the security system and had to reset it.
Started fine after I hooked the battery back up.
Ill be completely disabling the security system from mine soon.
Hook it back up and try to start it again.
Mine did similar and I had triggered the security system and had to reset it.
Started fine after I hooked the battery back up.
Ill be completely disabling the security system from mine soon.
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