every once in a while when starting my 97 a message comes on the display and tells me to remove the key for 10 seconds. if i dont do this when i put the car into gear it dies. if i turn it off, take out the key, wait 10 seconds and re-start it. then it runs fine. does anyone have any idea what would cause this? thanks for your help.

 

I have had it a couple of times--before you go spending money doing the CLB (column lock bypass) try cleaning the key with alcohol first. I haven't had to do anything but that as of yet but the boys here tell me that it can be the CLB. Do a search on column lock bypass---there is alot of info here on it

 

Looking at your profile I dont think you have just a 65 roadster

What year vette do you have and is it MN6 or A4?

 

yes, it is not an uncommon problem- especially in the early year C5s. The CLB does not eliminate this - in fact many peole claim it starts after they put in a CLB. As near as I can tell from my own experiences, it seems to be caused by low voltage/current condition when you first turn the key. I have seen it in the wintertime when I don't drive it as much ans in the warmer weather, and in te dead of summer when I start the car with AC on.
Biill Curlee has suggested that cleaning all of the ground points may help this, but I haven't had time to do it to mine, so I am not sure if this will resolve it.
I have toyed with the idea of installing one of those larger capacitors that are used with high power audio systems, to even out the voltage spike.

 

Do you have CLB installed?

 

I do, and I see it more since I put it in then I did prior to installing it. Mines from Thunder Racing.

 

i do not have a clb installed yet, and have not had any problems with it thus far (knock on wood)

deegee, my 97 is a nassau blue auto. my 65 396 roadster ia a nassau blue roadster 4spd.

 

I had this happen right after the batter cable came loose. I tightened up the cable, did what it said and it has never happened again.

 

You have the classic symptoms of a column lock waiting to happen. The fuel system is designed to cut off if the car senses the lock is still in place.

The early A4s have a column lock. After 99 they took it out. Mines an 02 and doesn't have a lock fitted so its impossible to get a column lock up. In your case unless its had the recall you still have one which will give the symptoms you describe. If when you turn off you can hear the lock operating its probably stiil there

Worth fitting the CLB before you get stranded. Once it locks up most guys often have to have it towed to the dealer. A CLB is easy to fit and only costs $50. Its way more effective than the recalls which still seem to cause problems

I'd suggest getting one fitted pronto.

 

 

THANKS, I WILL GET ONE RIGHT AWAY