1998 C5 Won't Start
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Joined: Feb 2005
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1998 C5 Won't Start
I need some help with a C5 not starting. The vehicle has 10,000 miles on it. It's stored most of the time and never driven in the rain.
I started it about 3 weeks ago letting the engine run for a good 20 minutes. I gunned the engine and turn off the key. The engine shut off just fine. I then attempted to start it again only it wouldn't start.
It seems to continue to cycle through several error messages -Reduce Engine speed, Brake to shift, etc. I do not have a code reader, but did go through the operator side. Are these codes the same as what a mechanic would see with a reader?
Anyone have any ideas what is happing here?
I started it about 3 weeks ago letting the engine run for a good 20 minutes. I gunned the engine and turn off the key. The engine shut off just fine. I then attempted to start it again only it wouldn't start.
It seems to continue to cycle through several error messages -Reduce Engine speed, Brake to shift, etc. I do not have a code reader, but did go through the operator side. Are these codes the same as what a mechanic would see with a reader?
Anyone have any ideas what is happing here?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: Mars
My guess is to start with the battery. On Corvettes and Camaros, the battery is pretty much a consumable item and keeping it stored does nothing for the life of it. I replaced the battery on my '98 Z28 over a year ago. My Z06 has a trickle maintenance charger attached to it all the time it's in storage to maintain the battery.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are suppposed to last about 3 years.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are suppposed to last about 3 years.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: Mars
My guess is to start with the battery. On Corvettes and Camaros, the battery is pretty much a consumable item and keeping it stored does nothing for the life of it. I replaced the battery on my '98 Z28 over a year ago. My Z06 has a trickle maintenance charger attached to it all the time it's in storage to maintain the battery.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are supposed to last about 3 years.
One sign of a bad or low battery on Vettes is multiple error messages.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are supposed to last about 3 years.
One sign of a bad or low battery on Vettes is multiple error messages.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,996
Likes: 504
From: Hilton NY
Was the battery disconnected or have a charger on it while it sat for three weeks? If not I'm surprised it started at all. The cars' normal 20 ma load at rest will drain any battery in about three weeks to the point that the car won't start. Also a discharged battery can freeze at higher temperatures than a charged battery; this would explain why some batteries in colder climates leak acid all over the computer.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
From: worcester Mass
Originally Posted by LuS1fer
My guess is to start with the battery. On Corvettes and Camaros, the battery is pretty much a consumable item and keeping it stored does nothing for the life of it. I replaced the battery on my '98 Z28 over a year ago. My Z06 has a trickle maintenance charger attached to it all the time it's in storage to maintain the battery.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are supposed to last about 3 years.
One sign of a bad or low battery on Vettes is multiple error messages.
One way of checking it is to fully charge it. Next. leave the CD player on for 15 minutes. If the car won't start, the battery is toast. Mileage isn't relevant, most batteries are supposed to last about 3 years.
One sign of a bad or low battery on Vettes is multiple error messages.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11,530
Likes: 0
From: New Bloomfield Pa
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'10
Check the battery but if the car is turning over I would then look at the PCM.... mounted directly under the battery and will collect any acid that might have leaked out.
If you can get the codes and post here we can help you out.
There is a few websites than can tell you what the codes are ( I have them saved at home and I am at work now) I am sure someone will chime in here with a website with this info....if not send me a email and when I get home I will send you the info.
If you can get the codes and post here we can help you out.
There is a few websites than can tell you what the codes are ( I have them saved at home and I am at work now) I am sure someone will chime in here with a website with this info....if not send me a email and when I get home I will send you the info.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,799
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From: Lake Ridge VA
Probably the battery. Just a week ago: my family's VW GTI was not driven for about 3 weeks. Tried to start it and nothing. Just a dead battery (covered by warranty).
Might as well take this opportunity to get an Optima RedTop
Might as well take this opportunity to get an Optima RedTop
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,754
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From: Redwood City Ca
Originally Posted by iceburgh
Check the battery but if the car is turning over I would then look at the PCM.... mounted directly under the battery and will collect any acid that might have leaked out.
If you can get the codes and post here we can help you out.
There is a few websites than can tell you what the codes are ( I have them saved at home and I am at work now) I am sure someone will chime in here with a website with this info....if not send me a email and when I get home I will send you the info.
If you can get the codes and post here we can help you out.
There is a few websites than can tell you what the codes are ( I have them saved at home and I am at work now) I am sure someone will chime in here with a website with this info....if not send me a email and when I get home I will send you the info.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by 1253C5
It's not the battery, replaced it and still the same. Car will not fire
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,927
Likes: 3
From: Glendale NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18- '19
Drive It
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[mcronec5]Wow, you've got a 98 with 10,000 miles on it. That is impressive. I just hit 56,000 in my 98. The more you drive them the less they break.
________________________________________ ____________________
I doubt if it's going to become a collectors item. Letting them sit is not so good, seals and gaskets dry out, next thing you know you have a puddle under your car, mine has 103,000 miles......I drive it every chance I get. 
[mcronec5]Wow, you've got a 98 with 10,000 miles on it. That is impressive. I just hit 56,000 in my 98. The more you drive them the less they break.
________________________________________ ____________________
I doubt if it's going to become a collectors item. Letting them sit is not so good, seals and gaskets dry out, next thing you know you have a puddle under your car, mine has 103,000 miles......I drive it every chance I get.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Manahawkin New Jersey
Have a 98 also. I have problems starting it sometimes. If yours is a MN6 you may want to try the following. Make sure emergency brake is on. Put car in nuetral. Stick foot underneath clutch in top region till you feel the button the clutch depresesses. Press it in with your foot and try to start car. Works for me! Don't think clutch is depressing the button far enough to start mine. Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Manahawkin New Jersey
Have a 98 also. I have problems starting it sometimes. If yours is a MN6 you may want to try the following. Make sure emergency brake is on. Put car in nuetral. Stick foot underneath clutch in top region till you feel the button the clutch depresesses. Press it in with your foot and try to start car. Works for me! Don't think clutch is depressing the button far enough to start mine. 100,000+ miles and running like a champ!
