87 starter problem or VATS issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax VT
87 starter problem or VATS issue
Hi All,
I have just started having a problem. When I get in the car mostly when it is warm and I attempt to start the car all lights come on and the engine will not turn over. I think I can hear a faint click of the solenoid. If I wait a couple of minutes the car will start right up. Is this the old starter problem from days past or is this the way the VATS system acts when it doesnt see the right resistance from the key?. I have 2 keys and the second key does not work either. Again sounds like a starter sol. issue. If it turns out to be as starter solenoid what should I do about a replacement starter. OEM new all the way or will a rebuild be reliable ?
Best Regards,
Don in VT
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :flag
I have just started having a problem. When I get in the car mostly when it is warm and I attempt to start the car all lights come on and the engine will not turn over. I think I can hear a faint click of the solenoid. If I wait a couple of minutes the car will start right up. Is this the old starter problem from days past or is this the way the VATS system acts when it doesnt see the right resistance from the key?. I have 2 keys and the second key does not work either. Again sounds like a starter sol. issue. If it turns out to be as starter solenoid what should I do about a replacement starter. OEM new all the way or will a rebuild be reliable ?
Best Regards,
Don in VT
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Re: 87 starter problem or VATS issue (Don in Vermont)
Had the same symptoms-turned out to be the starter-since I didn't have time I had my mechanic (reputable) replace it. He actually asked me if I was going to pick it up :D I said ok, what kind do you recomend-he said "Schucks" they haven't had any problems with them and a life time warranty. It does sound a little different when cranking-but does its job. :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: 87 starter problem or VATS issue (Don in Vermont)
When it won't crank (don't try a second crank) try jumping the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic). If it won't crank, then follow the 2 wires coming out of the bottom of the steering column and under the carpet and unplug the 2 pin connector. With the key inserted measure the resistance of the wires coming from the steering column. It should measure the same as the pellet and if it is over 13k ohms, then you need a new tumbler which has new contacts the connect to the pellet. You can prove the starter is ok by jumping 12v to one contact on the clutch/gear selector safety switch. One contact goes to the start enable relay and the other goes to the starter solenoid. You can't hurt anything if you apply 12v to either contact.
You can temporarily bypass VATS by clipping a fixed resistor onto the 2 wires going to the passenger side (VATS module) the same value as your pellet. Don't do this permanently because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
You can temporarily bypass VATS by clipping a fixed resistor onto the 2 wires going to the passenger side (VATS module) the same value as your pellet. Don't do this permanently because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
