starting problems HELP needed
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: houston tx
starting problems HELP needed
I have a 2001 ZO6 track car. It has intermittent but persistent starting problems that act like the ignition has bad contacts or is seeing low voltage. The battery and alternator are new. I have been through the frame grounds with a fine tooth comb, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled them. All have good continuity. The battery has been discharging over the course of a week of non use and I found that the ABS, PCM and approach lights all have 12 volt power across the fuse in the engine bay fuse box with key off and out. When starting problem happens the starter solenoid clicks on and off rapidly like low voltage but successive key rotations will often correct what ever is causing this and it will start and rum normally. I have also just noticed that the fuel range indicator says low with a full tank. In the absence of any other diagnosis by you electrical guys I think I want to replace the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. It seems that some main power switch has intermittent contact problems. I have not been able to remove and check the large relays in the cabin floor fuse box and suspect that one of these could also be the problem. I have a serious time problem and need a solution by Friday. Any suggestion are welcome.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,472
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
I have a 2001 ZO6 track car. It has intermittent but persistent starting problems that act like the ignition has bad contacts or is seeing low voltage. The battery and alternator are new. I have been through the frame grounds with a fine tooth comb, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled them. All have good continuity. The battery has been discharging over the course of a week of non use and I found that the ABS, PCM and approach lights all have 12 volt power across the fuse in the engine bay fuse box with key off and out. When starting problem happens the starter solenoid clicks on and off rapidly like low voltage but successive key rotations will often correct what ever is causing this and it will start and rum normally. I have also just noticed that the fuel range indicator says low with a full tank. In the absence of any other diagnosis by you electrical guys I think I want to replace the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. It seems that some main power switch has intermittent contact problems. I have not been able to remove and check the large relays in the cabin floor fuse box and suspect that one of these could also be the problem. I have a serious time problem and need a solution by Friday. Any suggestion are welcome.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If the car is remaining powered up after you've shut it down, then you need to address that of course. Pulling a single fuse at a time using a current meter inline with the battery will tell the tale there. The battery cable connections themselves; there's been a few reports of the cable crimp itself on the cable as well as bad cable connections to the starter. As you mentioned already, the solenoid may be having issues as well. Also as you mentioned, the ignition switch, there have been lots of those going bad lately for people as well. It sounds like you are on the right track already. A voltmeter in hand, you should be able to find this.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,969
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From: Champaign IL
Its your Ignition Switch!!!!! I had all the same problems you are describing. Bill Curlee helped me out with this... Look on page 4 of the post and you will see pics of my repair..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 83
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From: houston tx
Many thinks for the suggestion and checking up on the progress. I finished the switch replacement in about 1 hour this am and it appears to have completely solved the problems. I won't have time to examine the contacts for a while as I am getting ready for the Big Bend Open Road Race next week. I have been chasing this gremlin intermittently for about 9 months and am really relieved to have finally found it. I really appreciate all the help forum you and the other forum members. It came just in time. Bill Curlee's post was a great help. Thank you Bill for sharing your technical expertise.
Maury
Maury
