I have had a re-occurring issue with my 2005 C6 not starting after having been parked for a few hours. The battery is a month old. The lights work. When I push the ignition switch I hear a clicking, but it sounds to be more in the panel than the actual starter. Then engine light will then go on. After trying to start it and putting the FOB in the slot in the glove box I will let it rest and, with me not doing anything to the car, all of a sudden all of the lights and indicators will go on and the chimes will sound, but the car won't start. I'll let the car rest about 20 min and then, without me doing anything out of the ordinary, it will start. Sometimes about 5 min before it starts the following message will display, "NO FOB-OFF OR RUN?" Prior to that, there is nothing unusual that displays on the dashboard besides the engine light.

Except for the last time, the other thing I notice is that the engine block is really hot - like the car had been running. (Again, it would be parked for a few hours. The ambient temp would be 72F, but the car would read @92F).

I have taken it to the dealership in Carlsbad, CA two days in a row now. They can't figure it out. They have tried replacing the power train relay, tested all of the sensors, updated remote control door lock receiver software, did a battery run down and updated the powertrain control mod software. and Any chance anyone out there might have some ideas ? I asked them about the ignition switch replacement or an FOB replacement, but they don't think that is the problem.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. As a woman, it has been very unnerving to keep ending up stranded. Thanks so much !!! - Carmen

 

Electrical issues suck. sorry to hear about your problems. I had a crank sensor go out on my 2001 Trans Am. it has an LS1 motor also. It does not sound like the same thing as your problem though. I would take your car to a different dealership since the one you took it to can not figure out the problem, maybe you might have better luck and a different dealership might have a more experienced tech guy (or gal).

good luck.

 

@dads toy
Thanks so much for your advice.
Keep your fingers crossed !!!
I'll let you know how it goes.
Best Wishes,
Carmen

 

90% of the time, the root cause of won't-start-sometimes-but-the-lights-work electrical madness is a bad battery. I know yours is only a month old, but it could be bad, and whatever killed the last one could be killing this one.

First thing: make _sure_ the battery is good. This needs to be established before chasing down anything else.

 

Have them check for a bad/damaged connector on the altenator..

 

That's a new one. Probably not the battery if it starts on its own. Sounds like you have a "Christine."

 

I have a similar issue when I park at my local drag strip near one of their large diesel generators....that thing kicks off so much RF that my fob doesn't work, I've gotten it to work after a while by using the slot like you did.

Sounds silly but does this happen to you when you park in a certain spot or does it happen all over?

Is your car a 6 speed? The no-start problem you have can also be caused by a bad clutch switch (the missing fob thing doesn't jive with this theory though) - try starting your car without pushing in the clutch and you'll hear the clicking in the dash. I've seen several clutch switches fail.

Also, some people have had dead battery problems by having a cell phone charger plugged in. This doesn't sound at all like your issue but thought I'd mention it.

A friend of mine has had similar problems, I'll PM him to chime in with his fix.

 

Carmen

Had the very same intermittent problem, looked at:

the clutch switch--not the problem
Body Control Module--not the problem
fuses--not the problem
battery--replaced it but problem persisted
cleaned battery cables--problem persisted

gave the car to my speed shop for a week, they couldn't replicate the problem

gave the car to my chevy dealer for 2 weeks, they drove it home, around the area, put their tech II and candy box on and reset all the codes (not the PCM--car is supercharged) and they could not find the issue.

finally after 3 weeks they told me to take the car and see what happened.

the gremlin disappeared, no one is sure why, but ................

I know this does not answer your question, but I would definitely have your dealer use their TechII and Candy box to check for codes and reset them.

Best of luck,

Jeff

 

Thanks guys. I am trying EVERYTHING !!
All of your suggestions are very much appreciated.
Hope you all have a great labor day weekend !

Carmen

 

Isnt there a column lock issue on 05's?

 

Nope.

Though if you kill your battery, if you try to start it and get the click click click sound, it'll say service column lock. Just charge the battery and its fine.

 

6 speeds must be left in reverse when parked or the system is thinking it is on and the battery will drain.