03 z wont crank
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
03 z wont crank
I have a 2003 Z have had it about 8 months its been an absolute dream about two weeks ago driving to work stopped for drinks wouldn't start I could here the tdr click thought maybe clutch safety switch popped it off tried to jump it no dice put it back in checked voltage all good battery connections clean and tight no corrosion on anything noticeable let it sit for 45 minutes before calling a tow it fired up after work started took it home its fired up since until three days ago it will not crank no starter click no security light except when gauges sweep and then goes off ive tried spraying the lock cylinder changed the tdr, clutch safety switch checked maxi fuse and the atm 10 amp mini all is well there i still just get a click from the tdr where the heck do I go from here any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I have not done voltage drop yet, I got a new multimeter coming in the morning (old one is toast) to check some stuff and figure out the issue
great schematic that will certainly help! I need to pickup a Haynes/Chilton
unfortunately im going to have to swap my daily's heater core tomorrow so c5 is on hold for a day
great schematic that will certainly help! I need to pickup a Haynes/Chilton
unfortunately im going to have to swap my daily's heater core tomorrow so c5 is on hold for a day
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,631
Likes: 4,076
From: Cape Coral, Florida
I have not done voltage drop yet, I got a new multimeter coming in the morning (old one is toast) to check some stuff and figure out the issue
great schematic that will certainly help! I need to pickup a Haynes/Chilton
unfortunately im going to have to swap my daily's heater core tomorrow so c5 is on hold for a day
great schematic that will certainly help! I need to pickup a Haynes/Chilton
unfortunately im going to have to swap my daily's heater core tomorrow so c5 is on hold for a day
Haynes/Chilton ??...haven't used one of those in 40 years !!...you can get a 1 month subscription from Alldata DIY for $19.99...all the factory service information and OE wiring diagrams you need...video if you are unfamiliar with voltage drop testing the starting system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
If the TDR clicks on everytime, I would connect a DVM between the purple wire on the TDR socket and ground and verify there is 12v. Sounds like you may have a starter solenoid problem, the purple wire at the TDR is the wire that connects to the starter solenoid to energize the starter.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 7
From: Chandler AZ
Did you try starting it by connecting the red and the purple wire together TDR socket with a paper clip? It will spark so be careful!
That’s the perfect test for the solenoid. Bill Curlee help me significantly on this problem.
Mine turned out to be the ignition switch and the connector pins the connect to the ignition switch got oxidized and loose
Took three months to diagnose with a lot of parts replacements, my thread on it in the C5 techforum, good luck
That’s the perfect test for the solenoid. Bill Curlee help me significantly on this problem.
Mine turned out to be the ignition switch and the connector pins the connect to the ignition switch got oxidized and loose
Took three months to diagnose with a lot of parts replacements, my thread on it in the C5 techforum, good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
If you try jumpering the red and purple wire at the TDR socket make absolutely sure the car is in neutral. If you leave the key in the run position the car will start if it cranks over.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 7
From: Chandler AZ
Thanks mmartinez Forgot we’re talking a manual trans. (Mine is automatic) YES Neutral & Parking Brake!
key to Run and it will start and you don’t want that car to move ! It’s a good test , yet safety first!
key to Run and it will start and you don’t want that car to move ! It’s a good test , yet safety first!
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Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I appreciate all the help guys i tried jumping tdr no dice checked all fuses atm and maxi's all have power its hard to see because of wrapped headers but I beleive it to be the purple wire at the starter solenoid is touching the header I gotta get it up in the air tomorrow and check its been super busy around here lately havent had much time to do anything lol I will let you know the outcome again many thanks to yall!!!!!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
If the purple wire is touching and shorting to the header it would blow fuse 52 a 60 amp fuse. Might try rapping on the starter with a broom handle or something else non metallic and see if the starter works.