So, as the title reads, we have a Corvette that will not start. Its a 2002
5.7 Liter Corvette with Manual Transmission. Pretty much stock except for the Magnaflow Exhaust which was installed years ago. Within the last couple of weeks, we started experiencing the "No Start" problem...*This is my buddies Corvette*...anyways, sometimes he would drive somewhere, and when he'd go to leave, he'd get in and try to start it...but nothing happened...the lights, gauges, stereo, AC...all works, but it will no crank...wont try to turn over...nothing at all...After a few times of him trying, it would eventually start...

Well, a few days ago...he went to the store, and when he got in to leave, it acted up again...only, this time...it never started...we've been trying for a few days now...brand new battery, also, we took the Optima out of my Denali which I drive every day and tried that...didnt work...even tried jumping it...again, gauges work, lights, stereo, AC works...It did have a code P1518 when his battery was in...(his battery has drained to 6 volts within the last day or 2) which makes me think it could be a short or ground? anyways...I cleared that and tested again with my battery...no problems...that P1518 could have just been because of the low voltage from battery. The ignition switch was changed 12 months ago.

Any ideas? We'd really appreciate your help!

 

First thing I would check would be the starter...

 

Check the neutral safety switch. Possible shorting out.

 

I have a automatic so I'm not too familiar with the 6 speed but mine did that a few days ago. All gauges worked, etc but wouldn't turn over, like a completely dead battery. Althought my agm is practically new. After playing around with it for a few minutes, found it to be the trans was not engaging in park completely. Moved it back & forth a few times, finally engaged in park and started fine.
I understand yours is a manual but does the clutch have to be engaged fully for it to start. That is, is there a safety switch that won't allow it to crank unless the clutch is engaged with it. Years ago, when I had nothing but manual trans., you could just put it in neutral. I know with all the safety features today, there may be a safety switch & if so the switch could be bad.
Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there. If it was a dumb idea, just ignore it.
Good luck.

 

Sounds like the starter silenoid that sits on top of the starter. The terminal post that accepts the battery wire is set in bakelite that will crack and cause it to shortout over time. Sometimes you can shake the wire and get contact to start the vette. You can get the silenoid rebuilt for about $25.00 at a starter rebuild place or buy a complete new starter at your local discount parts place for about $150.00.

 

Hey everyone...I really appreciate your guys' help! Keep it coming!! lol

I still need to check the starter...but, being that I dont actually own a Corvette (shameful, I know ) I need to locate where that is first...as stupid as that sounds!!! lol...Right now, because it wont start...its sitting in front of the house, so Im not sure if I have to get to it from underneath? I obviously cant drive it onto my ramps though

Also, sneakelman, Im thinking it could be a shorting problem...otherwise, why would a new battery drain to below 6 volts after only a few days of sitting...the battery is a couple months old

And Tracer1, your actually right on target...on the Manual Trans. there is a button that the clutch pedal hits when you push it in...thats the safety switch..I have pushed it in by hand and still nothing...I havent tested to see if that switch is bad though...Im not sure how I would do that.. =/

 

Ok. I'm being serious here.
Follow the red positive battery cable down and you will find the starter. Now have you Buddy (Male, Female) get in and try and start the car, using a broom stick or the like move the cable at the bottom back and forth. This has worked in a pinch to get my vette started and moved.

 

You should be able to put a meter on it to test it or if there is someway to by-pass it altogether. Although, the starter may be the culprit also as "Old Rotor Head" stated. Something isn't making a connection, it's just a metter of tracing it down. I'm sure someone on the forum knows how to check that switch & the starter.
Again, good luck

 

As said before, it does sound like a typical starter solenoid problem like you can get on any car. Sometimes the solenoid will simply be sticking so try tapping it with something whilst trying to start.

 

Only accessible from underneath? I pulled the battery tray out and still can not see it..followed the cable past the plastic shroud into the engine bay (out of the battery area) and it sinks down and disappears

Anyone have a pic from below the car?

 

My 02' Z06 is doing the same thing. It has plenty of juice to run electrical but won't turn over?? As if clutch wasn't pressed in all the way. It does this intermittently. All leads to battery are tight; new battery; alternator is new and charges very well. I haven't checked the starter or the neutral safety switch which seems that it could be a possibility.

 

Pull the codes first and see if there is an issue with the security system. Is the security light staying on or flashing constantly? When you turn the key to the start position, do you hear a click in the passenger footwell area?

 

The starter is located at the rear of the engine.

 

I just went through the same problem. It was the starter, had to drop the pipes down to change it. The good news is was easy to push start to get home.

 

i pulled codes and everything was clear when i put my full battery in..i will check starter but now i have to wait cuz i put my hand thru my truck window last night (out of stupidity..so no need to feel sorry)...got 10 stitches so it'll be a few days before i can get to work on it...thanks for all the help so far tho...ill keep you all posted

 

My C5 did the same, it was the starter, had a dead spot on the commutator. To test for this before taking out the starter---block the car up securely, have someone tap on starter at the same time turn the ign. to start position repetedly, if it caches and starts, you just bumped it enough to make the starter get a new position so it could spin. Hope this helps, Bench test you replacement starter, my first GM one was was total dead after we got it in!!!! Bob

 

Put the new battery on a tender.. It will be on its way to being dead because C5's are battery killers..

 

Bummer about your hand. As suggested already, put a battery tender onto the car while you are healing up.

 

Hey guys...sorry for disappearing...had to let the hand heal for a bit. Anyways, I checked the clutch safety switch and that was no problem...I am going to see if my buddy and I can push start it..or at least push it into the garage so I can put it up on stands and check the starter...hopefully this week!! lol...It looks like if we DO have to replace the starter...the entire Magnaflow exhaust has to come down.. =/ that sucks