C5 Won't start sometimes
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C5 Won't start sometimes
Hello All -
I have a 2003 Vette and recently began having issues when trying to start my Vette. Everything would power on, but no power to the starter. This is very intermittent, sometimes it starts and runs great. Other times it will leaving you stranded for 45 seconds to 15 minutes. I am lost!!! I have seen some posts on here about repairing the ignition switch so I tried that first. That didn't help, so I checked the resistor in my key and bypassed the VATS system by soldiering a resistor into my wiring. that too didn't fix the problem... So I replaced the ignition switch and it started fine for 10+ starts and now I am having the same issues again. It is so intermittent that I am not sure what else to try... I have no BCM codes. I do have two codes, one for the seat control module and one for the Right door control module. Any help is appreciated!!!
I have a 2003 Vette and recently began having issues when trying to start my Vette. Everything would power on, but no power to the starter. This is very intermittent, sometimes it starts and runs great. Other times it will leaving you stranded for 45 seconds to 15 minutes. I am lost!!! I have seen some posts on here about repairing the ignition switch so I tried that first. That didn't help, so I checked the resistor in my key and bypassed the VATS system by soldiering a resistor into my wiring. that too didn't fix the problem... So I replaced the ignition switch and it started fine for 10+ starts and now I am having the same issues again. It is so intermittent that I am not sure what else to try... I have no BCM codes. I do have two codes, one for the seat control module and one for the Right door control module. Any help is appreciated!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
Hello All -
I have a 2003 Vette and recently began having issues when trying to start my Vette. Everything would power on, but no power to the starter. This is very intermittent, sometimes it starts and runs great. Other times it will leaving you stranded for 45 seconds to 15 minutes. I am lost!!! I have seen some posts on here about repairing the ignition switch so I tried that first. That didn't help, so I checked the resistor in my key and bypassed the VATS system by soldiering a resistor into my wiring. that too didn't fix the problem... So I replaced the ignition switch and it started fine for 10+ starts and now I am having the same issues again. It is so intermittent that I am not sure what else to try... I have no BCM codes. I do have two codes, one for the seat control module and one for the Right door control module. Any help is appreciated!!!
I have a 2003 Vette and recently began having issues when trying to start my Vette. Everything would power on, but no power to the starter. This is very intermittent, sometimes it starts and runs great. Other times it will leaving you stranded for 45 seconds to 15 minutes. I am lost!!! I have seen some posts on here about repairing the ignition switch so I tried that first. That didn't help, so I checked the resistor in my key and bypassed the VATS system by soldiering a resistor into my wiring. that too didn't fix the problem... So I replaced the ignition switch and it started fine for 10+ starts and now I am having the same issues again. It is so intermittent that I am not sure what else to try... I have no BCM codes. I do have two codes, one for the seat control module and one for the Right door control module. Any help is appreciated!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
I have long tubes and they needed to be dropped down to get the starter out. This was done on a lift so it was pretty easy. Btw I used a broom handle and hit the solenoid a few times lightly because I couldn't get at the starter due to the headers being i the way. It's not recommended to do that but I had no choice. Taped the solenoid went in and turned key and varoom. That's how I was sure where the problem was.
Last edited by ZigZag; Nov 12, 2016 at 10:47 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 2
From: kent ct - "if i'm not in the vette, i damn well better be on the yacht."
St. Jude Donor '13
i've had this problem twice...2003...replaced the ignition switch after trying to clean the contacts on the original... then the replacement, (aftermarket) died within a year... same situation. Bill Curley has an excellent thread re: repair of the switch... easy to replace.
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
The solenoids on our starters fail and fail frequently. Exact same symptoms that you have. If you were to RAP/SMACK it with a solid rod, it would more than likely start on the very next key to crank.
You must remove the starter to replace the solenoid and they are around $35-$45. MOST JUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE STARTER and replace it with the up-graded two long bolt better designed starter snout. The short bolt starter is weak and can damage the block. Ask me how I know?
BC
You must remove the starter to replace the solenoid and they are around $35-$45. MOST JUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE STARTER and replace it with the up-graded two long bolt better designed starter snout. The short bolt starter is weak and can damage the block. Ask me how I know?
BC
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
i've had this problem twice...2003...replaced the ignition switch after trying to clean the contacts on the original... then the replacement, (aftermarket) died within a year... same situation. Bill Curley has an excellent thread re: repair of the switch... easy to replace.
I repaired the switch first... and it seemed to have fixed the issue, but about 8-10 starts later it acted up again. I have now purchase a new switch and it still has the same problem. Sometimes it starts with no problems what so ever.... and then you turn the key and everything lights up and functions correctly until you turn the switch all the way and nothing... The problem and frustrating part is... I don't do anything to fix the problem and it finally starts. I jiggle the key and try it several times, sometimes for two minutes and other times for 15+ minutes and all of a sudden it starts. The quickest it has ever started after failing is about 45 seconds. Most times it is about 3-5 minutes. I also thought it was the rectifier in the key, but I have bypassed that by soldering the correct Ohms rectifier into the wiring. No BCM Codes etc...
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
The solenoids on our starters fail and fail frequently. Exact same symptoms that you have. If you were to RAP/SMACK it with a solid rod, it would more than likely start on the very next key to crank.
You must remove the starter to replace the solenoid and they are around $35-$45. MOST JUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE STARTER and replace it with the up-graded two long bolt better designed starter snout. The short bolt starter is weak and can damage the block. Ask me how I know?
BC
You must remove the starter to replace the solenoid and they are around $35-$45. MOST JUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE STARTER and replace it with the up-graded two long bolt better designed starter snout. The short bolt starter is weak and can damage the block. Ask me how I know?
BC
I really appreciate your response! When this issue happens, I don't do anything to fix the problem and it finally starts. I jiggle the key and try it several times, sometimes for two minutes and other times for 15+ minutes and all of a sudden it starts. The quickest it has ever started after failing is about 45 seconds. Most times it is about 3-5 minutes. I also thought it was the rectifier in the key, but I have bypassed that by soldering the correct Ohms rectifier into the wiring. Did your starter/solenoid do the same thing? in other words all of a sudden it would start... Thanks again!
I am curious.... how did the short bolt starter damage your block?
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