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1998 C5 not starting....

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Old Oct 30, 2011 | 03:58 PM
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Default 1998 C5 not starting....

Replaced the battery and ignition. Jumped the TDR relay, engine turned over when relay was jumped. Replaced relay but it didn't make any difference. Going to check shortly but I'm guessing the TRD relay isn't getting the control voltage.

Originally the car wouldn't start so we jumped it and it fired right up. Dad drove it about 15 miles to get news tires. When he pulled into the lot he shut the car off. They asked him to move it and it wouldn't start, just completely dead. He turned the key to the on position and put it in reverse to back it up a bit, then back into park. He then noticed as soon as he let off the break the car started to roll so he set the ebreak. I brought him a new battery but the car still wouldn't start. Had power but wouldn't turn over. This is the currant state of the vehicle. Wont turn over, car probably is not in park and the shifter feels very loose, like the is no resistance when shifting. Pulled the shifter and the cable was not off. Not sure how to check it on the transmission side. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Oct 30, 2011 | 05:33 PM
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May be the VATS? Can you see if the contacts have come loose inside the ignition cylinder?
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Old Oct 30, 2011 | 06:45 PM
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Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,, That shifter does NOT sound promising! I would check that out. Look at the linkage ON THE TRANS and make sure that it is actually working. If you cant get the shifter in the PARK or Neutral position,, you will NOT complete the electrical circuits to allow the Theft Deterrent relay to energize.

Heres the schematic that you need!!



The C5 starter SOLENOID is "WELL" known to have an internal issue that will cause a NO START issue.

"IF" the solenoid is causing your issues, you can WHACK it with something and the impact usually gets the starter / solenoid working again. Solenoid replacement is the recommended cure!

BC
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Old Oct 30, 2011 | 07:24 PM
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I agree that its sounding like the shifter cable isn't right therefore the safety switch is preventing things from happening.
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Old Oct 30, 2011 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by dgrant3830
I agree that its sounding like the shifter cable isn't right therefore the safety switch is preventing things from happening.
Based on you description, the shifter lockout is malfunctioning. Double check your grounds as you just replaced your battery, to be on the safe side.
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Old Oct 31, 2011 | 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,, That shifter does NOT sound promising! I would check that out. Look at the linkage ON THE TRANS and make sure that it is actually working. If you cant get the shifter in the PARK or Neutral position,, you will NOT complete the electrical circuits to allow the Theft Deterrent relay to energize.

Heres the schematic that you need!!



The C5 starter SOLENOID is "WELL" known to have an internal issue that will cause a NO START issue.

"IF" the solenoid is causing your issues, you can WHACK it with something and the impact usually gets the starter / solenoid working again. Solenoid replacement is the recommended cure!

BC

Hey Bill.....that schematic is for a 99-04......the OP has a 98.

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