C4 - '95 No response when key is turned
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
C4 - '95 No response when key is turned
Have you guys ever had no response when the ignition key is turned? All accessoried work (radio). Battery voltage is fine. After several attempts it starts great. Can it be the ignition switch? I have a new OPTI, plugs, wires. Runs great. Just don't won't to be stranded.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Sounds like a VATS problem....
The key you use has a chip (the black chip on the key). Sometimes the chip gets dirty. Either use another key in the ignition and try that or take your key and try to clean it (soap and water). This is the first place to start. Give it a try.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 646
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From: Alexandria Va
I have the same problem. I do have a very loud click, but the engine does not turn over. Also, when I start it later once the engine has warmed up, i hear this really freaky sound (Like a air gun going off), that is there till the engine starts. Does your's do that too?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Originally Posted by NE14SIN
I have the same problem. I do have a very loud click, but the engine does not turn over. Also, when I start it later once the engine has warmed up, i hear this really freaky sound (Like a air gun going off), that is there till the engine starts. Does your's do that too?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Originally Posted by rmdickson
Have you guys ever had no response when the ignition key is turned? All accessoried work (radio). Battery voltage is fine. After several attempts it starts great. Can it be the ignition switch? I have a new OPTI, plugs, wires. Runs great. Just don't won't to be stranded.
The starter solenoid gets power from the ign sw, start enable relay, and the clutch safety switch (gear selector sw if automatic). When it won't crank, that is the time to start testing for the cause. First try your spare key as its pellet contacts aren't worn like your every day key. Next, jump the clutch safety sw/gear sel sw and try a crank. Next, pull the driver side kick panel and find the two white (on my 87) wires from the steering column that plug into a connector with yellow/brown (again on my 87) wires from the wiring harness. Unplug and with the key in the ignition, measure the resistance across the white wires. The resistance should be the same as the pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new ign tumbler which has new contacts that make with the key pellet.
You can temporarily bypass VATS by clipping a fixed resistor (a 5% 1/4 watt resistor from Radio Shack will work) the same value as your pellet across the yellow/brown wires (connector unplugged). Do not permanently bypass VATS as 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
Last edited by jfb; Jan 17, 2005 at 11:29 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
When you turn the key to Start, does the Security light illuminate? If so, it is a VATS related problem. If not, start looking elsewhere. I have a 95 and when my VATS was acting up, that is how I knew what it was. I disabled it in the PCM and have not had any issues since.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria Va
Ok, I found the problem, or one of them at least. I hope this helps the guy who started to post. I was pulling off the battery connections and I noticed that the Positive post was not on tight. I cleaned the post, and tightened up the post TIGHT, and now it fires everytime. Now, though, I have a problem with the starting making a high pitched sound when I crank it. I had never done this before this weekend, and it doesn't seem to do it when the engine is cold.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Pa
the 95 had a recall for that problem , although i can remember exactly what it was that was causing it. I do know that if it happens again , just remove the key and close the door and wait about 5mins and it will start.
