Car starting issue
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Charles Town, WV
Car starting issue
I parked my 2002 vette at the gym on Saturday and when I came out to start it, all the lights came on, but it wouldn't turn over. No clicking, no sound at all. After about 12 times, it fired right up. I drove it home and it wouldn't start again, although I didn't try it 10 more times. I've driven it a couple of times since with no problems starting right up.
I've done my research here and as far as I can tell the most likely culprits are starter/solenoid; ignition switch, or column locking issue. I have no mechanical aptitude (or tools or place to work on a car) at all so looking into this myself isn't an option. I've been using the same auto repair place for about 12 years and trust them, but I don't think they get a lot of vettes in. Is this something that should be easy to diagnose for a competent mechanic?
Thanks!
I've done my research here and as far as I can tell the most likely culprits are starter/solenoid; ignition switch, or column locking issue. I have no mechanical aptitude (or tools or place to work on a car) at all so looking into this myself isn't an option. I've been using the same auto repair place for about 12 years and trust them, but I don't think they get a lot of vettes in. Is this something that should be easy to diagnose for a competent mechanic?
Thanks!
Last edited by Wade Wilbur; Nov 5, 2018 at 12:06 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 55
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From: Charles Town, WV
Thanks for the quick reply. It's nice to have a place to ask these questions. with 55,000 miles on it, I'm thinking that they probably fixed the steering lock issue, although maybe that's wishful thinking.
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
I parked my 2002 vette at the gym on Saturday and when I came out to start it, all the lights came on, but it wouldn't turn over. No clicking, no sound at all. After about 12 times, it fired right up. I drove it home and it wouldn't start again, although I didn't try it 10 more times. I've driven it a couple of times since with no problems starting right up.
I've done my research here and as far as I can tell the most likely culprits are starter/solenoid; ignition switch, or column locking issue. I have no mechanical aptitude (or tools or place to work on a car) at all so looking into this myself isn't an option. I've been using the same auto repair place for about 12 years and trust them, but I don't think they get a lot of vettes in. Is this something that should be easy to diagnose for a competent mechanic?
Thanks!
I've done my research here and as far as I can tell the most likely culprits are starter/solenoid; ignition switch, or column locking issue. I have no mechanical aptitude (or tools or place to work on a car) at all so looking into this myself isn't an option. I've been using the same auto repair place for about 12 years and trust them, but I don't think they get a lot of vettes in. Is this something that should be easy to diagnose for a competent mechanic?
Thanks!
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
NO garage is going to be able to FIX the steering column lock issue. HOWEVER,, that being said,, You can solve the column lock issue by purchasing and installing the LMC-5 Column Lock Bypass.
Its NOT a difficult install but, the people that you take it to should be able to read instructions and do competent wiring modifications. The support for the product and any install issues is EXCELLENT!
Its NOT a difficult install but, the people that you take it to should be able to read instructions and do competent wiring modifications. The support for the product and any install issues is EXCELLENT!
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 55
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From: Charles Town, WV
NO garage is going to be able to FIX the steering column lock issue. HOWEVER,, that being said,, You can solve the column lock issue by purchasing and installing the LMC-5 Column Lock Bypass.
Its NOT a difficult install but, the people that you take it to should be able to read instructions and do competent wiring modifications. The support for the product and any install issues is EXCELLENT!
Its NOT a difficult install but, the people that you take it to should be able to read instructions and do competent wiring modifications. The support for the product and any install issues is EXCELLENT!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
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From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Approximately 2 years ago, I had the same experience. Went to the store, came out and put the key in turned to start and nothing! Did it for several times and finally it started. Got home, read the related 'no start' threads and decided to do the easy stuff first. I cleaned the key with alcohol and sprayed the key lock mechanism with electrical cleaner. BTW, I had previously installed the LMC-5 Column Lock Bypass. I have had no further problems for 2 years . I do the spray routine as part of my annual maintenance for the key and lock mechanism.
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 55
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From: Charles Town, WV
Approximately 2 years ago, I had the same experience. Went to the store, came out and put the key in turned to start and nothing! Did it for several times and finally it started. Got home, read the related 'no start' threads and decided to do the easy stuff first. I cleaned the key with alcohol and sprayed the key lock mechanism with electrical cleaner. BTW, I had previously installed the LMC-5 Column Lock Bypass. I have had no further problems for 2 years . I do the spray routine as part of my annual maintenance for the key and lock mechanism.
Which electrical cleaner do you use. I went on Amazon and my head started to spin there are so many.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
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From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I use the cleaner I also use for my computer stuff. ULTRA DUSTER Industrial Strength. I buy it a Harbor Freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/10-oz-...air-67494.html
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 18
From: Charles Town, WV
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,434
Likes: 3,981
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
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From: Espanola New Mexico
In my first reply to your thread I suggested maybe the starter solenoid was the likely culprit, but it could be other things beside the starter solenoid. If your car is an automatic try shifting to neutral and try starting it, if your car is a M6 exercise the clutch several times when it fails to crank. Next thing to check when it fails to crank is your Security light, it should come on when you turn the car to the on switch position and then turn off before you turn the key to the start position. The ignition switch has contacts that read the key pellet for the Vehicle Anti Theft System and spraying cleaner will correct that problem, but there is the ignition switch contact block that has contacts that become pitted and spraying contact cleaner will not correct that, the contact block has to be removed and contacts cleaned with a fine grade of sandpaper or replaced with a new contact block. I helped a co worker and it was his ignition switch contact block, his car acted like you described your car is acting. And finally I don't believe that a column lock problem will prevent your car from cranking over , column lock problems usually present different symptom's.