Repeatedly Won't Start - 1999 Convertible
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 678
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From: St. Augustine FL
Repeatedly Won't Start - 1999 Convertible
Really could use all your input on this one. I work with a guy who has a 1999 Convertible with an A4 and no mods whatsoever. He has been experiencing repeated "Won't Start" conditions for quite sometime now. It has been into the dealer a number of times and they have reprogrammed the PCM and just recently installed a new battery, none of which solved the problem. When he gets stranded, it will always start if he gets a jump start, even with the new battery.
The symptoms are not the same each time he has the problem. The different things that happen when it won't start include:
* Check engine light comes on
* Completely dead, no clicking sounds
* Sometimes, does get the clicking noise
* If the radio was on when the car was last running and now tries to start car but it won't, the radio plays but you can't turn it off.
* Security ligh flashes
If the car starts, sometimes he gets:
* The DIC reads out check everything i.e. check oil , check water, check battery, etc.
* Or he'll go to turn the car off, remove key and the trunk opens on its own.
As you can see, it's a mixed bag of electrical foul-ups.
Any suggestions what to do or check next?
THANKS
The symptoms are not the same each time he has the problem. The different things that happen when it won't start include:
* Check engine light comes on
* Completely dead, no clicking sounds
* Sometimes, does get the clicking noise
* If the radio was on when the car was last running and now tries to start car but it won't, the radio plays but you can't turn it off.
* Security ligh flashes
If the car starts, sometimes he gets:
* The DIC reads out check everything i.e. check oil , check water, check battery, etc.
* Or he'll go to turn the car off, remove key and the trunk opens on its own.
As you can see, it's a mixed bag of electrical foul-ups.
Any suggestions what to do or check next?
THANKS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Repeatedly Won't Start - 1999 Convertible (Green C-5)
Green C-5,
There may be a ground problem. My 1999 C5 coupe had problems and Chevrolet Technical Assistance advised the mechanic to check ground locations on and near the starter. He found several nuts that were loose on the ground studs, with corrosion present (not from battery acid). After cleaning the studs and connectors, and reinstalling the nuts tightly, there were no problems.
Also - if a battery has leaked acid, it can damage numerous components below the battery tray (such as a computer, wiring harness, connectors, vacuum lines, etc.). The tray and inner fender liner must be removed (or pulled aside) to reveal the hidden damage. I would also have him remove the battery and tray (easy, four bolts) and examine the area below the tray. (My 1999 C5 later had this problem).
Also - if the a/c drain has clogged and water seeped into the computer in the RH footwell, it can cause all kinds of electrical and starting problems. This also happened by my C5 coupe. Remove the cover and determine if there is moisture in the compartment or on the wiring harness. If so, the a/c clog/leak must be fixed and the computer replaced and reprogrammed.
Good luck - let us know how things turn out.
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 10:36 AM 5/15/2003]
There may be a ground problem. My 1999 C5 coupe had problems and Chevrolet Technical Assistance advised the mechanic to check ground locations on and near the starter. He found several nuts that were loose on the ground studs, with corrosion present (not from battery acid). After cleaning the studs and connectors, and reinstalling the nuts tightly, there were no problems.
Also - if a battery has leaked acid, it can damage numerous components below the battery tray (such as a computer, wiring harness, connectors, vacuum lines, etc.). The tray and inner fender liner must be removed (or pulled aside) to reveal the hidden damage. I would also have him remove the battery and tray (easy, four bolts) and examine the area below the tray. (My 1999 C5 later had this problem).
Also - if the a/c drain has clogged and water seeped into the computer in the RH footwell, it can cause all kinds of electrical and starting problems. This also happened by my C5 coupe. Remove the cover and determine if there is moisture in the compartment or on the wiring harness. If so, the a/c clog/leak must be fixed and the computer replaced and reprogrammed.
Good luck - let us know how things turn out.
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 10:36 AM 5/15/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
Re: Repeatedly Won't Start - 1999 Convertible (Green C-5)
Check the codes. My guess is that the key cylinder is failing to read the "pellet" on the key properly or their is a short to ground somewhere. This happened to me about 8 months ago -- codes told me it was either a short to ground or a key cylinder fault. Ended up being a key cylinder fault. I did not have all the crazy electrical problems happening, however this could be caused by getting a jump start.
Symptoms for the key cylinder fault are the security light flashing, and having to wait five minutes for the computer to reset itself before it starts again -- which is probably why it restarts every time he gets a jump since it takes over 5 minutes to find someone and hook up the cables.
Next time it happens remove the key from the ignition, wait 5 minutes or longer, then try to start it. If it starts I would bet replacing the key cylinder will fix the problem.
Symptoms for the key cylinder fault are the security light flashing, and having to wait five minutes for the computer to reset itself before it starts again -- which is probably why it restarts every time he gets a jump since it takes over 5 minutes to find someone and hook up the cables.
Next time it happens remove the key from the ignition, wait 5 minutes or longer, then try to start it. If it starts I would bet replacing the key cylinder will fix the problem.
