intermittent start problem
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
intermittent start problem
bought my 1st Vette about a month ago ( 02 coupe ). After a bit of cool down (10-20 minutes), turn the key and it wont crank not even a click. Within 1-2 minutes of just turning the key over and over again it starts and works fine for days. New battery, lots of juice everywhere else. One guy thought it was the key, both keys, same problem.
Dealer either doesn't know or just likes driving it once a week
Dealer either doesn't know or just likes driving it once a week
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,749
Likes: 4
From: Valencia Ca
Originally Posted by dpd
does the dash light up when you experience the no crank?
battery connections tight?
is it a stick or auto?
any faults stored?
battery connections tight?
is it a stick or auto?
any faults stored?
...and will add that it also could be the starter or solenoid connections or the units themselves.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown PA
I had the same problem and it was the solenoid which meant a starter replacement. Definitely make sure all connections are tight. One way to test for a bad starter/solenoid is to check for 12v on the purple wire of the Theft Deterrent Relay when you turn the key to the start position. The Theft Deterrent Relay is under the passenger side dash. There are three relays to the left of the fuse block. It is the one farthest to the right (closest to fuse block). Another way is to check for voltage on the solenoid terminal itself (smaller of the two wires). If there's 12v when you turn the key, the starter/solenoid assembly is the likely culprit. All of the testing procedures are laid out pretty clearly in the service manual. If you haven't bought one yet, it's a very good investment.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
It could also be something in the ignition switch. That happened to me. I goy something on the key and it transferred to the inside of the switch. I inserted, worked it back and forth, and removed the key several times, dousing it with alcohol upon each removal. It cleared the problem up, and it's never returned. I think I may have gotten a bit of frosting, or something, on the key pellet, didn't realize it, and tried to start the car with it, thereby transferring it to the inside of the ignition switch. Can't hurt to try. It worked for me and it's cheap and easy. 
Ed
Ed
