Hi to all
I have a Corvette 1999 C5
Over Christmas- stopped at a shop- went to jump back in and all i heard was click! so tried to jumpstart it - did not work - just click
Had to get it transported home

Ok i have done all things i can think of on google including:
1/ Replaced Starter Motor and Solenoid -
2/ I tested the starter motor in 2 ways
a) direct to the battery to ensure it was good-=result: it worked
b) had it on the floor underneath the car connected to the cables (power,switch,earth) -result : it worked when turn key then bolted into car: result: clicking when turn key
3/ Tested battery: result 12.9 volts- but just in case used good battery from another car
4/ tested power cable underneath which goes to starter: result: over 12Volts
5/ checked all fuses and swapped relays around both fuse boxes by battery and in passenger foot space
6/checked all ground cables and sanded back all ground locations and put back
7/Put new starter motor in and sanded back all cable connections going to the new starter : result: many clicks but no start
8/ thought of the TDR however switch works and security message goes away once turn key plus starts starter motor when on ground connected to main wires

In Summary to date:
Switch -Working: works because could start starter motor when it was on ground underneath connected to the wires
Starter Motor Works: have tested it in many different ways (new)
Ground Locations good: sanded back all connections- i have taken off and cleaned even though no corrosion was evident on any(clean wires etc)
Battery Good: Have changed battery with working one from different car
Battery Leads-good have sanded back and lubricated to ensure perfect connection

Also: checked power going to fuse box- over 12 volts
Checked fault codes : None


This has really stumped me - please let us know what else i should be checking
I really don't want to have to call in a mobile auto electrician
thanks

 

Can you turn the engine by hand? Try with a pry bar on the ring gear from the starter hole.

 

you mean take out the starter motor again?
it was a pretty big job taking off top of exhaust and taking out starter- is there another way
Ok just been out there and had my wife turn key and clicking noise seems to come from motor - not starter motor or fuse box?
clicking seems to come from electrics top of motor? maybe i am wrong?
Not sure what this means?
thanks and any advice would be great

 

Did the starting motor turn over the engine? If not, try this. Clean your key, spray some cleaner (I use CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner) into the key socket. Then insert and remove your key several times before turning the key to start. I recently had a starting issue and this procedure allowed the car to start. I suspect a new ignition switch is in the future for me.

 

Hi thanks for replying
No starter did not turn over- just clicking
i will clean kep now and spray some cleaner and into the socket and test
will reply within 5 minutes thanks

 

Ok cleaned key with cleaner and also in key socket- pushed key in and out 5-9 times but still clicking when turning key
hmm still puzzling

 

Sorry that it did not work. Excerpt for the C5, I have never had a ignition issue with any of my many cars that I have driven over 200K. Just another issue with GM design for the C5.

 

I have some fault codes show up today
Please let us know if any of these could be the reason for not starting

A1-RDCM
B2283H and B2285H

A6-SCM
B0851H

AO-LDCM
B2282H
B2284H

28-TCS
C1255H

99-HVAC
B0365H
B0367H
B0446HC

 

You really have to ensure that your motor is not locked up, by all you have described it's really looking like your motor is not free. Those codes have nothing to do with the car not cranking over.

 

thnaks for your reply
no just tried turning it over manually- turning fine

 

Ok, this has me stumped as well especially since the starter worked on the ground. There is one thing you can try and that is jumping the red and violet wire at the TDR socket, but make absolutely sure that the car is in Park or neutral. Have you measured the voltage on the main terminal of the starter solenoid, hope this helps and good luck.8

 

This sounds like the imfamous ignition switch problem with the C5. It will make that "click' sound and nothing.

 

Hi there,
ok talking with another mechanic
Because i had the starter going underneath the car and it worked
I was told to take off front belt and get underneath and test with a screwdriver while it was bolted in
to my disappointment it turned over really really slowly and did not start

I was told this is most likely a internal problem
Anybody know what this could be?

 

I've never heard of the taking the belt off before, but again this sound like your ignition switch, the part that you stick your key in and turn, has some of the contacts possibly burnt and this can be removed. You can look up the C5 Ignition Switch Repair on the forum. If you're turning the key and it randomly starts, that's usually the first sign go the ignition switch is your culprit causing the problem. Also, make sure the battery cable connection to the battery are not loose as well.

 

I was thinking that maybe the starter itself is defective, it can spin freely when it's not mounted to the engine, but underload it can't crank the engine fast enough to start. One thing you can try is to remove all the spark plugs and see if the engine cranks over easier. Fuel injectors can fail and they can fill the cylinder with gas causing something they refer to as hydro lock. Hope this helps.

 

How old and what type of battery?

I would still test with another known good battery as your battery could have a bad cell and still read 12.9 but still fail when load is placed on it.

Did you remove the wiring harness clean connections at the location under the hood near the battery, BCM cable at passenger foot inspection, Confirm voltage from battery to fuse box is good or take apart fuse box 3 sandwiched pieces and clean and inspect wiring under fuses and pins.

Sometimes a bad connection on the pins can cause that

You cleaned your key / ignition but did you try with a different key?

is it auto or manual ? Is the column locked or do you here the steering wheel unlock when turned to on position?

lmc5 possibly installed?



Read these?


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=896875

Check BCM cable and clean contacts?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...problem-4.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...e-start-368434

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1577044954

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...limp-mode.html

 

Engine ground strap causing starter bad ground?

Security light turn off when key in the on position? https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1577044954


Being that you could get it started with out turning of the key sounds like the issue is between the ignition switch and BCM / TDR

any chance its related to ignition coils, plugs wires since it ran rough when you did get it to turn over?

Maf sensor wire cleaned?


This post talks about turning to on letting it sit for a bit before cranking to troubleshoot TDR relay.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rning-key.html

 

To the OP, have you discovered why the engine is not cranking over easily?

 

fuel pump, maf sensor, plugs wires check out?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ont-start.html