Stranded! Z06 won't start! Help!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
The car starts, only intermittently. It's extremely odd to get in it start without a hitch, come back, nothing. Wait 4 hours, come back, starts again.
And that schematic looks like a foreign language to me. I wouldn't know where to start.
And that schematic looks like a foreign language to me. I wouldn't know where to start.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
1) Work with a forum member to use the schematics and a meter.
2) Just change parts until you fix the issue (or have nothing left to replace).
3) Take the car to a trusted shop for repairs.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
What kind of meter do I need?
In the mean time, I notice reading posts that people who rebuilt the ignition switch encountered codes, seeing as I don't have any codes from the DIC would that be process of elimination ruling out the ignition in the dash?
I also considered replacing the starter solenoid if my parts stores carry it in town.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
Replacing the starter solenoid would not be a bad idea. It could certainly cause intermittent starting issues.
The 'meter' that lucky is mentioning is a multimeter. A good quality unit is preferred (Fluke is widely considered the 'best' brand), but you should be able to get by with a mid-range unit from another manufacturer.
Not having codes does not in any fashion tell you that the ignition switch is good. The DIC displaying codes is really nice when it decides to tell you what the problem is, but it isn't the end of troubleshooting for ANY problem in my opinion.
The 'meter' that lucky is mentioning is a multimeter. A good quality unit is preferred (Fluke is widely considered the 'best' brand), but you should be able to get by with a mid-range unit from another manufacturer.
Not having codes does not in any fashion tell you that the ignition switch is good. The DIC displaying codes is really nice when it decides to tell you what the problem is, but it isn't the end of troubleshooting for ANY problem in my opinion.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
What kind of meter do I need?
In the mean time, I notice reading posts that people who rebuilt the ignition switch encountered codes, seeing as I don't have any codes from the DIC would that be process of elimination ruling out the ignition in the dash?
I also considered replacing the starter solenoid if my parts stores carry it in town.
In the mean time, I notice reading posts that people who rebuilt the ignition switch encountered codes, seeing as I don't have any codes from the DIC would that be process of elimination ruling out the ignition in the dash?
I also considered replacing the starter solenoid if my parts stores carry it in town.
Reading a schematic is no different than reading a roadmap, once you know what the icons mean, then you just have to check for voltage or ground.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Start with the basics.
Have you pulled off the battery terminals and inspected for corrosion? I had similar symptoms and while the gauges indicated there were no problems, the positive terminal had A LOT of corrosion on it.
Have you pulled off the battery terminals and inspected for corrosion? I had similar symptoms and while the gauges indicated there were no problems, the positive terminal had A LOT of corrosion on it.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 3
From: CLIFTON PARK NY
My guess would be the starter solenoid,or the theft deterrent relay under the passenger side footwell.Do research on here to find out how to test the relay,I know Bill Curlee helped with this a while back,after checking the basics,mine ended up being the starter solenoid,a common problem on the C5s,just my 4 cents!Good luck!
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
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
Guys, I really appreciate the awesome help.
I work 1-10pm tonight central time, I'm going to try and locate a solenoid and a multimeter while at lunch. I'm currently driving the car as it did start this morning. I'll keep this thread posted with pics and info as it comes.
Thanks.
I work 1-10pm tonight central time, I'm going to try and locate a solenoid and a multimeter while at lunch. I'm currently driving the car as it did start this morning. I'll keep this thread posted with pics and info as it comes.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
Update:
Parts stores say I can only order the complete starter, not just the solenoid. I picked up a multimeter. Also, because I don't have a working fob, I lock the car from the door panel. Unlock with the key in the door.
Today I've just been leaving the car unlocked and it hasn't hiccuped yet. Could not having a fob, using the key only have some type of conflict with the security system in these cars?
Also, I check the battery terminals for corrosion, they look clean. However, what is this copper adapater the negative is connected to? The terminal is not connected directly to the battery. See pic.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/...d021f4a2_b.jpg
Parts stores say I can only order the complete starter, not just the solenoid. I picked up a multimeter. Also, because I don't have a working fob, I lock the car from the door panel. Unlock with the key in the door.
Today I've just been leaving the car unlocked and it hasn't hiccuped yet. Could not having a fob, using the key only have some type of conflict with the security system in these cars?
Also, I check the battery terminals for corrosion, they look clean. However, what is this copper adapater the negative is connected to? The terminal is not connected directly to the battery. See pic.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/...d021f4a2_b.jpg
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Update:
Parts stores say I can only order the complete starter, not just the solenoid. I picked up a multimeter. Also, because I don't have a working fob, I lock the car from the door panel. Unlock with the key in the door.
Today I've just been leaving the car unlocked and it hasn't hiccuped yet. Could not having a fob, using the key only have some type of conflict with the security system in these cars?
Also, I check the battery terminals for corrosion, they look clean. However, what is this copper adapater the negative is connected to? The terminal is not connected directly to the battery. See pic.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/...d021f4a2_b.jpg
Parts stores say I can only order the complete starter, not just the solenoid. I picked up a multimeter. Also, because I don't have a working fob, I lock the car from the door panel. Unlock with the key in the door.
Today I've just been leaving the car unlocked and it hasn't hiccuped yet. Could not having a fob, using the key only have some type of conflict with the security system in these cars?
Also, I check the battery terminals for corrosion, they look clean. However, what is this copper adapater the negative is connected to? The terminal is not connected directly to the battery. See pic.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/...d021f4a2_b.jpg
That looks like a battery shutoff switch. Just to get that out of the equation, I would remove that, and bolt the negative cable to the battery directly.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
Any info on the correlation between the fob and just using the key? Fobs are being ordered Monday as well as a new set of keys.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
I will remove that tonight. And technically you are right, I bough this Z06 from my brother. However, this is my 3rd C5 I've owned over the course of the last few years.
Any info on the correlation between the fob and just using the key? Fobs are being ordered Monday as well as a new set of keys.
Any info on the correlation between the fob and just using the key? Fobs are being ordered Monday as well as a new set of keys.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 359
Likes: 25
From: San Antonio TX
It sounds to me like your starter is toast. Mine did the same thing about 4 months ago. Sometimes it would start, sometimes it wouldnt. Try and push start it, and if that works you just have to replace the starter... or if you can jack it up and it it with a hammer that will sometimes work for a little while, but its not in a spot thats very easy to get to.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
It sounds to me like your starter is toast. Mine did the same thing about 4 months ago. Sometimes it would start, sometimes it wouldnt. Try and push start it, and if that works you just have to replace the starter... or if you can jack it up and it it with a hammer that will sometimes work for a little while, but its not in a spot thats very easy to get to.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
If you can find me a place to order a solenoid, I'd be thanful. But I might as well just go with a new starter to be on the safe side anyway.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
I found this webpage with an awesome troubleshooting list.
I'm going to run through it tomorrow.
http://www.c5help.com/c5_no_start.htm
I'm going to run through it tomorrow.
http://www.c5help.com/c5_no_start.htm
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 3
From: CLIFTON PARK NY
.Try a alternator,starter rebuild shop,thats where I had my solenoid rebuilt and havent had issues since!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
wholeheartedly. Support your local automotive electrical shop, bring the starter to them for troubleshooting. Once had a starter rebuilt locally (and I don't mean some Chinese rebuild crap) for $45, and it worked flawlessly till I sold the vehicle. If it really is just the solenoid, then it should be quite cheap and you can still feel good about not supporting China.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 4
From: WA
there is a good chance you need a new starter (or rebuilding yours). when solenoid goes out, it will sieze intermittently.