C5 intermittently starts
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
C5 intermittently starts
I recently bought an Automatic 1997 Corvette that I wasn’t made aware that it Intermittently starts. Fuel pump runs no security light on other than when the door is open but it will not crank over. The person before had replaced the ignition because he thought that was the problem. Obviously not because it still has the issue. It will randomly start when you try to crank it. I’m not sure if it would be a security issue, a starter, or something with wiring. I’m leaning towards a starter because he said he replaced most of the things besides that. I have someone coming to look at it Tuesday (4/16). But until then I’m really just trying to get a good idea of what really might need to be fixed or replaced.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 38
From: Austin Tx
When you turn the key and it fails to crank, do you hear a click sound under the hood? If so, it's likely the starter/solenoid or possibly a bad ground. If no click sound, could be the neutral safety switch. Have you tried wiggling the shifter while attempting to crank?
Another thought is batt/connections. Make sure they are clean and tight.
Another thought is batt/connections. Make sure they are clean and tight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
The heart of the starting circuit is the TDR, it is the relay that sends 12v to the starter. When it fails to crank over you should determine if the TDR clicks on or not. The TDR is located under the passenger footwell area where the interior fuse box is located, it sits on top of the BCM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
It still could be the ignition switch. I just had mine original one replaced and it took the 4th one (all had GM labeling in a GM box but made by China crap'o) to get one that finally work. But for how long
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 3
From: Ottawa Ontario, Canada
The heart of the starting circuit is the TDR, it is the relay that sends 12v to the starter. When it fails to crank over you should determine if the TDR clicks on or not. The TDR is located under the passenger footwell area where the interior fuse box is located, it sits on top of the BCM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I got it to start and had a mechanic look at it. Basically they just said replace the ignition switch and TDR. It has started every time since so I have absolutely no clue but I will be switching those soon.