2002 C5 intermittent no crank help requested
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
2002 C5 intermittent no crank help requested
Let start by saying I have already learned a lot from this Forum about my C5... MANY thanks! I had this intermittent no crank problem so I replaced my ignition switch at 140K, and reprogrammed my new keys and everything has been great. But now I have an intermittent no crank issue again- everything else works as it should. I can turn the key to crank 3,4 or 8 times this morning and it fires right up and runs as it should. Many days-many starts it works like new. When it won't crank I am able to hear a click which I assume is my clutch safety switch activating down near the pedals, other than that silent and it's not engaging the starter- total silence until it decides to start.
Where would you start ?
Where would you start ?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 382
Likes: 53
You may be referring to the clicking of the relay on the passenger side. Next time it doesn't start, put the car in neutral and pump the clutch. I had an intermittent no start and it turned out to be the clutch safety switch. It doesn't just fail bad it seems to start getting worse and worse over time.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
Thank you, I will look under there and see if its aligned between the pedal and the switch. Am I correct in assuming if I use a jumper wire to temp. disable the switch and it still does it that I will need a new switch? Is that a tough replacement?
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
You most likely have the VERY COMMON C5 starter solenoid failure. If you whack the starter while someone HOLDS the key to crank, it will crank if the solenoid is having it issues..
I would get a new starter/solenoid and that most likely resolve that issue. BUT,,,,,,,,,, Before you go that route, examine the solenoid connections to make sure that they are clean and tight and not damaged. They get heat cycled a lot and tend to get loose and or corroded and that too will cause the same issues. Also make sure that the battery connections are clean and properly torqued. Can cause the same issues.
Bill
I would get a new starter/solenoid and that most likely resolve that issue. BUT,,,,,,,,,, Before you go that route, examine the solenoid connections to make sure that they are clean and tight and not damaged. They get heat cycled a lot and tend to get loose and or corroded and that too will cause the same issues. Also make sure that the battery connections are clean and properly torqued. Can cause the same issues.
Bill
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
You most likely have the VERY COMMON C5 starter solenoid failure. If you whack the starter while someone HOLDS the key to crank, it will crank if the solenoid is having it issues..
I would get a new starter/solenoid and that most likely resolve that issue. BUT,,,,,,,,,, Before you go that route, examine the solenoid connections to make sure that they are clean and tight and not damaged. They get heat cycled a lot and tend to get loose and or corroded and that too will cause the same issues. Also make sure that the battery connections are clean and properly torqued. Can cause the same issues.
Bill
I would get a new starter/solenoid and that most likely resolve that issue. BUT,,,,,,,,,, Before you go that route, examine the solenoid connections to make sure that they are clean and tight and not damaged. They get heat cycled a lot and tend to get loose and or corroded and that too will cause the same issues. Also make sure that the battery connections are clean and properly torqued. Can cause the same issues.
Bill
I just had the C5 up on the lift and my tech tapped the solenoid while I was trying to start it and Vroom! I looked through the original owners folder and don't see that it has never had a starter replaced. I am going to order anew starter and solenoid- I think my problems will be over! Will keep everyone posted with the results after the
install. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond!
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