I have an '08 base coupe with auto transmission. As is common I have the occasional issue where I can't get the selector out of park. I have always been able to bypass it. I haven't gotten around to fixing it although my wife suggested I should right before my new issue.

A few days ago I drove the Corvette on a 3 hour drive in 40ish degree weather. When I arrived at my destination I shut it off. After about 5 minutes I tried to start it and got nothing but the same thing many others get which are indications that the battery is still charged and everything is engaging but the starter. My fix, I believe was to put the car in Neutral from Acc mode and it started. I left and 10 minutes later turned it off again to get gas. When I tried to start again I got no starter engagement. This time the neutral situation didn't work. I maneuvered the gear selector a few times without success. After a few minutes of this I put it back in park and it started.

I've tried to recreate the problem but so far it hasn't reoccurred. In addition, I haven't had any problems with the shifter sticking in park. I am under the impression that the no-start issue is in connection with the switch circuit that sometimes doesn't engage or disengage the trans lock. I, however, haven't run across another post by someone connecting the two and now wonder if it is just a coincidence.

Can anyone with the same experience shed some light? Thanks

 

Are you getting any message on the DIC?

There are 2 tiny micro-switches at the stem of the shift lever that need to be engaged in order to activate the starter motor. If you listen very quietly, you can hear them click as you move the shift lever into Park.

I had a problem with one of these switches - I got a "shift to park" message on the DIC.

I'm assuming this is not a battery or battery cable issues like corossion.

M...

 

I am still having this problem and it appears to be getting worse as the weather gets warm. If I drive it and park it for a substantial period of time, let's say over an hour, it will start back up. If I drive it long enough to get it to full operating temperature and park if for a shorter amount of time (30-60 minutes) it will not start for quite awhile. I have tried placing the fob in the glove compartment slot with no luck. I have swapped relays with no luck. New battery and tight connections. I can hear the shifter switches and fuel pump when I hit the start button but no crank until it appears to have cooled down to the point where the situation alleviates itself.

 

Have you checked the housing on your starter for cracking?

 

As "Ed" suggests, check the positive connection on the starter solenoid. The bakelite is known to crack or the terminal become loose. While you are down there, check the ground on the engine just above the starter to ensure that is clean & making a good connection.

GD

 

When key is in run mode is all the light coming on.