Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Yorba Linda, CA,,,USA
Starting Problem
I recently developed a starting problem with my 2001 Corvette. When I would turn the key, sometimes I would get a clicking sound, and at other times it would start OK. This made me think it was the battery. After replacing the battery, nothing has changed. Intermittently I still get the clicking sound, and after several attempts of turning the key it will start. What is the general opinion out there. Another bad battery, solenoid, or starter?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Yorba Linda, CA,,,USA
OK I read the IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION post and found the grounding points and issues. I'll try checking the connectors out. I not sure how much current could be passed through these connectors to supply the starter, but it's definitely worth looking at. It seems to be a great write up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Check the obvious things like the battery connections and the battery to starter connection. From there, where is the clicking??? Inside or engine compartment? If its the solenoid clicking you may simply have it dying on you. If its the TDR relay inside next to the BCM, is the security light on steady or flashing? If its on steady, your chip in the key was read correctly. If this is a manual transmission, it might be the clutch switch or the ignition switch.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Yorba Linda, CA,,,USA
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I looked things over real good, and found that the main battery cable on the starter was not very snug. It took an easy 3/4 of a turn to tighten. With all of the current used by the starter, this could be it. Time will tell. If I have to replace the solenoid, it looks like I will have to drop both sides of the exhaust to remove the starter (they are connected in the center). This could be a big project.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Sometimes Miami Sometimes Orlando Florida
I had the EXACT same problem. If its not your battery cable then I'm very sure it could be your ignition switch.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
Follow Bill Curlee's instructions if you keep having problems. It will cost you like 5 bucks to fix and some of your time. You are going to have to take off your radio bezel first and instructions to do that are on the forum.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
Follow Bill Curlee's instructions if you keep having problems. It will cost you like 5 bucks to fix and some of your time. You are going to have to take off your radio bezel first and instructions to do that are on the forum.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
Likes: 1,167
From: Dyer, IN
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I got a charge out of that one. My first though was SAWSALL!!!
I had the same issue on my 02 Z. checked the clutch switch with an ohm meter, replaced the theft deterrent relay ignition switch was good etc, checked the battery connections (retorqued to 11 ft/lbs) and cleaned and tightened the starter wires...Still had the same issue. When it happened I could whack the starter with something and it would immediately start.. Turned out to be a bad starter solenoid.
$45 bucks invested on a new solenoid and problem solved. You need to get them from a starter repair shop.
Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Yorba Linda, CA,,,USA
Too funny.. Looks like I will be in for a new solenoid. Hopefully dropping the exhaust will not be an issue (tough to remove hardware). Replacing the solenoid should be easy.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
Likes: 1,167
From: Dyer, IN
Bill's advice is spot on, but take note, he had performed additional troubleshooting before reaching the conclusion of the solenoid. I suggest you get a wiring diagram and a DMM before replacing any parts.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Sometimes Miami Sometimes Orlando Florida
After you move all the bezels out of the way you can stick the key in the starter, turn it (don't know to what position, but you do have to turn it) and you can disconnect all the stuff behind the starter and it will just slide out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
"What we have here, is a failure to communicate."
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
Likes: 1,167
From: Dyer, IN
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If your going to replace the solenoid your going to need to purchase a very small deep well socket to get one of the fasteners out. One of the solenoid fasteners is recessed in well and a standard socket will not be able to fit into the recess. The other two are easy to remove. I can NEVER remember what size the socket needs to be.
