Won't Start
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Won't Start
I have a '99 convertible. Last fall I had a few times that the car would not start. I would get in and try to start it and just got a click. I got a new battery and it seemed to help. I started to read the forums and some things suggested the sensor on the key can get some oil off your hand and cause it to not start. So everytime I went to start it I would wipe off my key. Well yesterday I did my routine and click, nothing. The dash would black out, but I turned the headlights on and they did not dim, when I tried to start it. I waited an hour and still the same thing. I left it over night(thinking it may be the security system) and this morning CLICK. Please give me some hints, it's supposed to be in the 70's today and tomorrow. Thanks :confused:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Re: Won't Start (wwashing)
I will put it on the charger. Is there a way to tell if your security system shut down your starting system? Is there a (VATS?) on the C5? I've only had the car for 5 months. thanks again :banghead:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Re: Won't Start (reelsteel)
I will put it on the charger. Is there a way to tell if your security system shut down your starting system? Is there a (VATS?) on the C5? I've only had the car for 5 months. thanks again :banghead:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Re: Won't Start (wwashing)
I went home for lunch and put it on the charger. So is there a way to tell if the security system has been activated? My yellow security light blinks when I get in the car and it blinks when I go to get out of it. How long do you have to wait if it is activated before you can try again? Is there a way to reset it? Or deactivate it? :)
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Won't Start (reelsteel)
Flashing when you exit the car is normal: "When one door, both doors or the hatch is opened, the SECURITY indicator on the instrument panel flashes as a reminder to arm the system. If after 10 minutes the door or hatch has not been closed, the flashing SECURITY indicator will turn OFF. "
I think my '03 flashes when I get in too.
Per the service manual,
"When the PASS-Key® system detects an invalid key, the PASS-Key® system disables cranking and fuel enable for a time-out period of approximately 3 minutes. If a key is inserted or the ignition is turned ON before the 3 minute time-out is complete, the timer will reset to 3 minutes. Disconnecting the battery or pulling fuses will not disable the time-out; the BCM stores the PASS-Key® state in EEPROM, and will restart the minute timer when the battery is reconnected. Even if the proper resistance key is inserted during the time-out the vehicle will not start until the total time period has expired."
Did you try both keys?
I think my '03 flashes when I get in too.
Per the service manual,
"When the PASS-Key® system detects an invalid key, the PASS-Key® system disables cranking and fuel enable for a time-out period of approximately 3 minutes. If a key is inserted or the ignition is turned ON before the 3 minute time-out is complete, the timer will reset to 3 minutes. Disconnecting the battery or pulling fuses will not disable the time-out; the BCM stores the PASS-Key® state in EEPROM, and will restart the minute timer when the battery is reconnected. Even if the proper resistance key is inserted during the time-out the vehicle will not start until the total time period has expired."
Did you try both keys?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Re: Won't Start (WhiteC5Vette)
I have tried all three keys. I cleaned them all and cleaned inside the ignition. I let the battery charge all night and this morning CLICK. I have a 6spd, is there some kind of neutral saftey switch? I have taken off the battery cables and put them back on. The light under the hood goes off when I try to start it. It started 3 days ago ok. Don't know what to do now? :banghead:
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Re: Won't Start (reelsteel)
Thanks for the info WhiteC5Vette. I went in the garage and got the following codes:
28-TCS : C1255
A0-LDCM : U1064
A1-RDCM: U1064
B0-RFA: U1096
U1064
U1016
U2105
U2115
These all have H's behind them, but I had unplugged the battery yesterday, so I figured they should all be current. Is there a place to look these up at? Or can someone tell me what they mean. Thanks :confused:
28-TCS : C1255
A0-LDCM : U1064
A1-RDCM: U1064
B0-RFA: U1096
U1064
U1016
U2105
U2115
These all have H's behind them, but I had unplugged the battery yesterday, so I figured they should all be current. Is there a place to look these up at? Or can someone tell me what they mean. Thanks :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,970
Likes: 496
From: Hilton NY
Re: Won't Start (reelsteel)
Sounds like the body control computer and/or a wiring harness short; I would check for a short since some of the earlier C5's had this problem. The harness under the console is what shorted on my '98, it required retaping and moving to the side so it wouldn't be pinched by the console. Also remove any wiring you added to those pigtails at the passenger footwell. The wiring I added to the pigtails was removed by the dealer and the car started; the next week the car didn't start until the console was removed which unpinched the harness. Is the cigar lighter fuse blown? If the car doesn't start after you check the above, see the dealer. The body control computer is supposed to be protected against shorts but a short can cause the condition you describe without blowing a fuse. My car had all kinds of codes which just added to the confusion. Good luck.
[Modified by Fast one, 8:44 AM 3/25/2003]
[Modified by Fast one, 8:44 AM 3/25/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Won't Start (reelsteel)
Thanks for the info WhiteC5Vette. I went in the garage and got the following codes:
28-TCS : C1255 EBTCM Internal Malfunction
A0-LDCM : U1064
A1-RDCM: U1064
B0-RFA: U1096 Loss of communication with IPC (I/P Cluster)
U1064 Loss of communication with BCM
U1016 Loss of communication with PCM
U2105 ?
U2115 ?
These all have H's behind them, but I had unplugged the battery yesterday, so I figured they should all be current. Is there a place to look these up at? Or can someone tell me what they mean. Thanks :confused:
28-TCS : C1255 EBTCM Internal Malfunction
A0-LDCM : U1064
A1-RDCM: U1064
B0-RFA: U1096 Loss of communication with IPC (I/P Cluster)
U1064 Loss of communication with BCM
U1016 Loss of communication with PCM
U2105 ?
U2115 ?
These all have H's behind them, but I had unplugged the battery yesterday, so I figured they should all be current. Is there a place to look these up at? Or can someone tell me what they mean. Thanks :confused:
However, I hate to say it I'm not that familiar (yet) with the Vette data link system, but I'm learning everyday.
Fast One mentioned a loose connector, that may be the problem. If this connector carries the data link line and the computers are all failing to receive a SOH message, the BCM/PCM may shut down. Also, if there is a loss of data between the modules, then the BCM may not be able to trigger a message to the PCM to allow engine crank and/or fuel turn on when the PASS key is inserted into the module.
Best thing I can say is do what Fast One says and look for some loose or corroded connectors. I can tell you I am in the process of producing a bulletin for another GM brand and due to a corroded inline connector in the left footwell, you can get a no start, intermittent loss of power, idiot lights on/off, and even speaker drop outs in the doors.
The weakest link in any wiring harness in a connector and the terminals.
Hope I help somewhat, yet I feel I'm missing something but not sure what.
Note: In the I/P harness there are two STAR connectors that connect the wiring for the serial data lines. They are located in the I/P harness on the LH side of the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is located in the RH footwell, mounted to the toe board, behind the carpet. Check these connectors to make sure they are ok.
It is really tough to troubleshoot a problem from a distance...
[Modified by WhiteC5Vette, 9:12 PM 3/25/2003]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park MD
Re: Won't Start (WhiteC5Vette)
Thanks for the ideas. I tightened everything down. Wiggled all the wires. Gave up and the Chevy garage(which is the world's second oldest dealer 1928 est.) came and picked it up. It was sad to see it leave on a tilt bed! :sad: I will let you know what they find out.
