95 C4 Start Problems
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Derby CT
95 C4 Start Problems
My friend has a 1995 C4 automatic with 80k miles. It has developed a start problem after the car is warmed up or has been driven a while. The car will start after waiting 5 to 30 minutes and it starts right up. I have heard of this problem with other C4's but have not heard of the fix. Has anyone had experience with this problem?
Thanks :eek: :confused: :flag
Thanks :eek: :confused: :flag
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Irwindale Ca
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (adamk28)
I believe the vehicle has a antitheft device called VATS Vehicle Anti Theft System. On your ignition key its a little chip that is on the key and it connects two wires in the ignition cylinder. It has an ohms rating so the wires cannot be jumped. Try another key if you have one. Mid America Corvette makes a bypass for the system. I have never used it but i hear it just plugs in. VATS usually takes 4 minutes to reset. It thinks someone is trying to steal the car. Hope this helps :seeya
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Derby CT
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (madmike)
Thanks Mike,
That part has already been adressed and changed. Didn't GM have a bit of trouble with the HEI distributors during the C4 production until the early 90's?. I am thinking the pickup on the distributor or the distributor itself maybe the culprit. FYI: The coil, MASS Air sensor and a full tune up has been done and a new factory security system has been replaced
That part has already been adressed and changed. Didn't GM have a bit of trouble with the HEI distributors during the C4 production until the early 90's?. I am thinking the pickup on the distributor or the distributor itself maybe the culprit. FYI: The coil, MASS Air sensor and a full tune up has been done and a new factory security system has been replaced
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Inland Empire CA
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (adamk28)
Your friend has an LT1 which does not have a conventional SBC distributor... I've never heard of a failing Opti Spark doing that. I know it can cause missing under load, and higher RPMs.
That almost sounds like hot starter syndrome you get with headers, like with my friend's 68 Camaro when I did LTs on his car. But I think he has other issues... I doubt LT1s suffer from this.
That almost sounds like hot starter syndrome you get with headers, like with my friend's 68 Camaro when I did LTs on his car. But I think he has other issues... I doubt LT1s suffer from this.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Irwindale Ca
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (adamk28)
I would start with the basics. When this happens, check for fuel at the rails, then check for spark. No trouble codes? It really sounds like the VATS. Let us know what you find. :banghead:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (adamk28)
"doesn't start" is not much to go on for us to help you. Does the starter crank the engine and it won't start or does the starter fail to crank the engine?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 95 C4 Start Problems (adamk28)
Automobile engines require spark (and at the right time), fuel, and air to start and run. Check for spark and timing with a timing light. Check for fuel pressure at the shraeder valve on the fuel rail. Connect a low power 12v lamp on the injector plugs and crank the engine and see if the injectors are being pulsed. Remove the flexible air horn on the MAF (mass air flow sensor) to insure that air is getting to the engine. Be sure you do these tests when the engine won't start and let us know what you find.
[Modified by jfb, 9:29 PM 3/3/2004]
[Modified by jfb, 9:29 PM 3/3/2004]
