The other night at work I hustled my way out to the ole 02 C-5 to go get some dinner, slid my way in behind the wheel, put the key in the ignition, pushed in the clutch, turned the key and NOTHING, flat zippo, lights and stereo all came to life but nothing from the engine, absolutely silent, so I tried again and again and again with nothing at all. I pulled the key back out waited a few seconds and tried again and this time it would turn over and start but only run for a second or two almost acting like it was flooded, so again I pulled the key out and waited a few seconds tried again and it fired up and ran like normal. Since then no problems but I am confused as to what the heck that was all about. Any help would be greatly appreciated, happy holidays.

Joe (free C-5)

 

Gremlins....J/K!!! Seriously, seems strange, I sure don't have an explanation but maybe someone else does, TTT!!

 

Rather than jump in and attempt to start the car immediately, I always turn the key to on and let the dash go through its motions. By turning the key on for 15 to 30 seconds or so, it gives the fuel pump time to build pressure in the fuel delivery system. It also gives any other electronic components a chance to get set to the proper starting position.
So, when you turn the key to ON, wait 15 to 30 seconds before cranking the engine over.

 

I do the same thing as MagRed except I wait probably no more than 10 seconds, long enough to let the gauges go through the motions and settle down and let the fuel pump come alive and up to pressure, then I turn the engine over. Starts first time every time.