Since the first day I took delivery of my new 2000 C5 I have been experienced engine starting problems. I know, why didn't I just exercise my rights under warranty and claim the vehicle unfit under the lemon law? Because, I kept thinking the problem would be solved each time I returned to the dealer.

First, the problem. The engine may or may not start. It doesn't seem to matter whether the car has been sitting for several days or weeks or if it has been driven and just turned off. It might start just fine any number of times, then without any warning, it won't start. I turn the key and the instrument panel activates but the starter does nothing. It acts like there is no power to the starter. I try turning the key numerous times and nothing happens. So,.....I wait. Then miracle of miracles! After turning off the key and waiting anywhere from around 10 to 30 minutes, I turn the key and it cranks right up!! This can occur consecutively or it may start and run a dozen times in a row without any problem at all. Also, the security light stays illuminated many times with the engine running and sometimes it doesn't. There doesn't seem to be any correlation between the light being on or off and the starting issue. Sure takes the fun out of going anywhere.

Here's what the dealer has done: 1. Replaced the battery. 2. Adjusted the clutch switch. 3. Relaced the ignition switch. 4. Replaced ECL actuator & relay. 5. Checked battery/starter terminals, etc. 6. Trouble shot electrical system numerous times, but unable to determine cause.

It sure would be great if anyone has experienced this same problem and found the cause. Like I stated earlier, the strange thing is that the car may start just fine and then,....nothing without waiting for something to reset.

Can anyone suggest a solution (without trading)?

Thanks, Charles David

 

A long shot but is the key significant? Does it show problems with both keys. I'm wondering if one of the VATS pellets is damaged or dirty but the other is good.

 

I am curious on this one, have dealt with pass key in the past,but not on a c-5. When the starter fails to engage have you been able to check for codes. You have several modules sending information to the BCM that help enable and disable the theft deterrent system. Also the BCM controls the starter relay enable,which engages the theft deterrent relay allowing the stater to engage.

When I had to deal with security light on and the vehicle is running, it meant there was an error in reading the Pass Key but it was within the limits set by the module and required a system relearn.

This may not include a C-5, but before attempting to start pay attention to the security light as you turn the ignition on. Does it flash four time and go out, or does it flash four times and stay constant? If it goes out you should be good. If it stays on then you have to wait ten minutes to relearn and it should go out. And if it does it all the time then we have other electrical issues to tackle.

Any one feel free to correct me because all my data comes from other GM models I have worked. Olds, Camaro GMC van

 

Good idea! However,( and I forgot to mention it) The problem occurs with either of two ignition keys w/chips. This has truly been baffling,....even for the dealer

Thanks, Charles

 

Noticed under you parts replaced there has not been a new theft deterrent relay, another guy posted he had a starter problem and it turned out to be that relay.

 

Thanks. I read it also and think that may be something to try. Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Have a great day!

 

Thanks for the reply. I went out and when I turned on the key, the security light came on. I started the engine and the light went out for several seconds then it came back on and remained on while the engine was running. I'm thinking the problem may be with the anti-theft deterent relay. But it is strange that the problem is intermittent and I would think that a faulty relay would not function intermittently.

 

Able to pull any codes?

 

I don't know how to check the codes. The dealer has done it, but they always have said they aren't getting any problems when diagnosing. So, they just seem to be guessing when I take it in. I even left it with them for several weeks once just so they could fiquure it out......no luck.

 

http://www.stengel.net/diccodes.htm

 

Checked your battery ground connection? Not the one on the battery itself, but where the cable grounds to the frame.

 

Yes the grounds have been verified secure and not corroded. When the problem occurs, I just wait and try starting it again after 10 to 20 minutes without touching a thing and it starts.

Thanks for your response.

 

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out let you know the results as soon as I get a chance.

 

I'm would suggest replacing the Theft Deterrent Relay over in the pass side foot-well. It's cheap and easy to get to. It's also critical for starter engagement and if it's experiencing intermittent failures, it will leave you dead in the water.

 

I've had intermittent starting symptoms like this on a couple of cars, not the Corvette, when the starter motor began going out. I had to hit the starter housing with a hammer to get it to turn over. Replacing the starter fixed it.

 

I am having the same problem with mine (02 Z06). Sometimes it starts, and sometimes it doesn't. It's quite embarrassing to climb in your Corvette, put the key in the ignition, and nothing. I have replaced the battery with an Optima Red Top to no avail. When it won't start, I try a combination of wiggling the key around, opening and shutting the door, and pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob. Sometimes it starts within a few seconds, and other times it takes 5 or 10 minutes. It is extremely frustrating. If anyone discovers a remedy for this, please post. Thanks.

 

I've also been dealing with intermittent starting issues acting like low battery. After doing numerous repairs and mods (3 different optimas, shedding potential non-running loads, turning of all memory items, etc) to try to solve the issue including using a tricklecharger religiously I finally solved the issue. It ended up being the starter. Installed a new one and all issues are gone. Hope it stays that way. FWIW this is on an '02 with 40K.

 

UPDATE:

After sitting in the parking lot at work for about 20 minutes trying to start my car this afternoon, I was at my wits end. I checked all the codes, cleared them, and checked them again. Frustrated to the max, I stepped out of the car and paced around the parking lot for a few minutes. I decided to consult the owners manual as a last resort. Believe it or not, it worked! There was something in the manual about using the key in the door instead of the key fob. So I tried it, and the car started right up. I have done this same thing several times this afternoon, and have had no problems so far. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

i really believe u have a security issue. if the starter is not clicking you are not gting power to it. if the charging system is working ok that says power is there but not getting to starter. really have the security system checked out. also please stop going to the dealer. find a corvette specialist in your area. mine is over 30 miles away but 80 hr and they are awesome. something about walking in and seeing vetts all over.

 

Sounds like it is the starter or the Theft Relay or a loose ground.
If you have a 6 speed you can test the Theft Relay by turning the key to the start position and press the clutch all the way in and out. You should be able to hear a click on the passenger floorboard.
You can also put a multimeter on the purple wire coming out of the Theft Relay to make sure it is sending a signal to the starter.

I had the same intermitting issue and it ended up being the starter.
I check the power going to the starter when the key was turned. The full power made it there but it did not turn.