Intermitant Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: atlanta ga
Intermitant Starting Problem
I have a starting problem with my 94 Automatic LT-1. At times it won't start. It's happened about 7 or 8 times in the 2 years I've had it. The key turns all the dash lights and radio on but the car won't turn over. No clicks or any other sounds. If will eventually start in anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours on it's own. It went 7 or 8 months without doing it but it's happened twice in the last two days. I tried cleaning the ignition switch and key with contact cleaner yesterday and it's still doing it. The first time it did it, I left at a Chevy dealer for a week and they couldn't get it to repeat the problem and found no codes. The last time it did it today, I checked the dash and the security was not flashing. Any info that I can possibly give the dealer to pont them in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (leemelone)
Sounds like you need a new ignition key. The resistor pellot on the key has gone south on you. Others should chim in on this, let's see.............
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (leemelone)
VATS won't allow a crank if it doesn't detect the correct value of pellet. Also, after a second try, the ECM makes you wait 6 minutes before you can try a crank again. First try your spare ignition key as its pellet contacts aren't worn like your everyday key. Next, try jumping the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic). Last, pull the driver hush panel and find the two wires from your ign tumbler that go to the contacts in the ign tumbler that ,"makes" with the pellet. On my 87 these two wires come out of the steering column about half way down and with a bunch of wires and are the end two wires on the connector block that are brown and orange. Unplug the two wires going into the wiring harness (these go to the VATS module) and measure the resistance across the wires from the ign tumbler with the key in place. You should measure the same resistance as the pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new tumbler. You can temporarily bypass VATS until you can get a new tumbler by clipping a fixed resistor (a 5% 1/4 watt value from Radio Shack will do it) across the wires from the wiring harness. Do not permanently bypass VATS as 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
[Modified by jfb, 10:13 PM 5/24/2004]
[Modified by jfb, 10:13 PM 5/24/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (edsalinas)
This has been dicussed pretty regular on here lately..so many things..if no click could be key pellet but to totally eliminate the possibility of key, ign. switch, VATS, park/neutral switch (automatic) or clutch nuetral switch(manual)..just jack up on passenger side..put jack stand in of course..then turn key forward to run position and climb under car on passenger side near jack position and jump the larger 12v connection to the smaller ignition connection on starter solenoid with a screwdriver or wire being careful not to ground and short on trans cooler lines ect.. if it starts or turns over then it could be key, ign. switch, VATS, park/neutral switch (automatic) or clutch nuetral switch(manual)..if not it's starter brushes or solenoid going bad which can yeild an intermittent condition for quite some time..do this check and let us know what you get.. :)
Ooops..looks like me and jfb answered at same time and :iagree: with him if you do the check I suggested and get it to turn over that way..then it's time to do what jfb is saying...or I guess you can do it in whatever order seem best or easiest to you..good luck
[Modified by skateparkdave, 10:19 PM 5/24/2004]
Ooops..looks like me and jfb answered at same time and :iagree: with him if you do the check I suggested and get it to turn over that way..then it's time to do what jfb is saying...or I guess you can do it in whatever order seem best or easiest to you..good luck
[Modified by skateparkdave, 10:19 PM 5/24/2004]
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: atlanta ga
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (jfb)
>VATS won't allow a crank if it doesn't detect the correct value of pellet. <
Doesn't the security light on the dash flash when that happens? It's starting to have the problem every day now. BTW, thanks for the help!
Doesn't the security light on the dash flash when that happens? It's starting to have the problem every day now. BTW, thanks for the help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (leemelone)
I've never had a prob with my VATS..but my security light flashes every time I open an unlocked door..it stays lit solid after locking power door locks and shutting door for a few secs then goes out confirming VATS is armed. Even reaching through a window and unlocking door with electric locks or manual will set off alarm...only way to disarm is to put round key in door and turn to disarm.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (skateparkdave)
It flashes when ign key is off indicating it is unarmed. Should go solid when armed. Reaching in thru open window and unlocking the power lock should activate VATS.......
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (edsalinas)
I don't have my electrical manual here at work, but I believe that VATS is only activated by the key pellet, not the theft deterrent system! If you reach through an open window and unlock your car you should be able to start it and drive away.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Intermitant Starting Problem (edsalinas)
Yep, VATS= Vehicle Anti Theft System..I'ts all tied together and I've never actually tested the "reach through window and drive away" theory but my manual says any activation of vats will disable starter...hmmm? next time I get board I'll test mine.
