TrplBlk01

All lights come on and I have proper voltage? :confused: :confused:

RED92LT1

Did you check voltage at the starter when the key is in the start position? Also, you didn't mention if it's a manual or automatic trans. Might need more info to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Brian

TrplBlk01

It's an auto and I have yet to check the voltage. Will do now though.

jfb

Most likely you have a VATS problem. First try your spare ign key, its pellet is higher than your everyday key. Next, with the ign sw in start position, wiggle your gear lever, it might make the safety switch make connection. If no help, find the 2 wires from the steering column from the contacts in the ign sw that make with the pellet (they come out the column on the floor in my 87) and unplug them, then with the key in the ign, measure the resistance on the wires from the column, it should be the same as the pellet. If over 10k ohms, then you need a new ign sw. If ok, then pull the cover over the gear selector and check the safety switch on the gear lever. You can bypass VATS temporarily until you can schedule replacing the ign sw by clipping a fixed resistor onto the wires going over to the passenger side (VATS module). Don'
t permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.


[Modified by jfb, 11:01 PM 2/25/2003]

vader86

thats a VATS problem, mine has done it before

i give it about 5-7min and try it again, always works

TrplBlk01

Well I let it sit over night and tried to start it this morning and get the same thing.
NOTHING :D
This sucks!

RED92LT1

Let's see if we can get to the bottom of this.

1. Does the starter turn over at all?

2.Did you have someone turn the key to the start position while you
checked the voltage at the starter lug (heavy gauge wire on the starter)?

3. Do you hear any clicking sounds coming from the starter area when you
turn the key to the start position?

4. Did this happen suddenly or was there an indication that something was
starting to break down. (Intermittent starting problems)?

5. Have you tried putting the car in neutral and then turn the key or even
while holding the key in the start position shift between Park and Neutral?

Probably something simple ... let us know what you find.


Brian

jfb

If you can hear the start enable relay click behind the center of the console when you hit the start position, then VATS is ok, although the gear selector safety switch can still prevent the starter from cranking.

TrplBlk01

I have yet to check the volts but when I turn the key I get all power accessories light up and when I turn it I get nothing. No noise, nothing :mad

Cap'n Rich

What are you telling us, here? Do you mean that when you turn the key to the start position that power disappears? Try this - turn on the headlights. Turn the key to the start position. What happens to the headlights? Do they stay unchanged, dim a bit, or go out like blowing out a candle?

Rich

robertpel9

It sounds like a VATS problem. Stop at the dealer and get a new key made and you should be all set. The pellet actually wears down. I could not believe the difference in my new key Vs. the old one. My car was doing the same thing. I got a new key, problem solved :cheers:

86_RedRider

VATS sucks. I get that at least once a month. Walk away for about 5 minutes and that sucka starts right up. Does anyone have one of those bypasses? What's your take on it?

jfb

My take on it is to replace your ign switch. I have done it when it wouldn't crank and I traced it to the ign sw. Bypassing the VATS sets you up for an easy theft of your C4. I bypassed mine only long enough to schedule a replacement. Take care of you car and your car will take care of you.

TrplBlk01

It still has power to the acc's but just wont turn over at all or even make a noise.

15k in the last 1 1/2 years :mad
Have the receipts to prove it!


[Modified by blk91, 3:02 PM 2/26/2003]

Goody

I've had the ghost VATS problems every once in a great while (6mo). Starts after a few minutes. You are in need of the factory service manuals now. Don't want to start throwing money at it needlessly.

RED92LT1

Honestly guys ... I think we need more information and need to check the basics before we can get to the bottom of this without doing a frame off restoration.

Just my humble opinion.

I have a question on VATS problems ... does the starter turn over when the VATS is acting funky ... or does the starter NOT turn over at all?

Brian


[Modified by RED92LT1, 8:04 PM 2/26/2003]

Goody

There will be no turning over at the starter with VATS working. Also, injectors will not get pulsed.

Cap'n Rich

Okay. My first thought is that you had an intermittent contact at the battery terminal and, when you hit the starter, the connection broke. But if you still have headlights, it isn't that. Next likely culprit is the VATS. Do a search on the forum and get the information you need about wires to bypass the VATS temporarily. Don't buy anything - it's a simple wire jumper. Get that done and it will either eliminate the VATS or condemn it.

Good Luck and take it a step at a time.

Rich

PTz-92-LT1

VATS...stick a "Q"tip in the igntion, twirl it around for a bit, clean your key and your off.

RED92LT1

I taped off the VATS chip on my key and had the same symptoms blk91 described.

I believe you guys nailed the problem :smash: ... VATS.

Thanks all for the enlightenment!

Brian


[Modified by RED92LT1, 7:01 PM 2/27/2003]