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  • Starting Problems

    I need to know if anyone can help me with my car problem. This has been going on for 2 weeks now. Sometimes the car is starting and other times its not. The battery is new and the alternater is working. It's like its not getting a connection or something. When you turn the key there is no clicking or anything. Yet, everything else is working. My husband seems to think its the starter. But, if it is the starter would it be acting like this? Yesterday it wouldn't start when I went to leave work. Usually it will eventually start, but nothing yesterday. I had it towed and of course the shop was able to start it this morning. Any suggestions or advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I would like to get this problem fixed. I'm tired of dealing with it.

    Thanks.

  • #2
    are you getting any lights on the dashboard, either when it's running or when it's not starting? A "security" light or something like that? Are you saying that when it won't start, you get nothing from the starter but all the accessories and lights work?
    Dave M
    Life, liberty, and the pursuit of all who threaten it!


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    • #3
      When I try to start it all the lights are coming on, it just won't turn over. It won't do anything. But, everything else works. Also, when you try to start it there is no clicking or nothing.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by 98TransAm
        When I try to start it all the lights are coming on, it just won't turn over. It won't do anything. But, everything else works. Also, when you try to start it there is no clicking or nothing.
        Is the "security" light on?
        Tracy
        2002 C5 M6 Convertible
        1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
        Current Mods:
        SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids

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        • #5
          Which light is the "security light"?

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          • #6
            Originally posted by 98TransAm
            Which light is the "security light"?
            the one that says "security"
            Tracy
            2002 C5 M6 Convertible
            1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
            Current Mods:
            SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids

            Comment


            • #7
              Every light is working. This has been an ongoing problem over the last few weeks. Like this morning it started right up for the shop and I had to have it towed from work last night. It's really strange.. I'm going to have a new starter put on it today, I just don't think that's the problem.

              Comment


              • #8
                Sounds like either some type of problem with the security system or a loose connection at the starter. My first instinct was a loose or corroded battery cable because I had the same symptoms on another car, but if your other accessories work that's not it. I don't think the starter itself is the problem or it wouldn't work great sometimes and not at all other times. When you try to start it and nothing happens, does the "security" light stay lit on the dash board after the other lights go out?
                Dave M
                Life, liberty, and the pursuit of all who threaten it!


                Comment


                • #9
                  Your car has a security system called PASS-KEY. The technical term for it is Vehicle Anti Theft System, aka VATS.

                  There is a resistor pelet in your ignition key. When you insert the key, the cars computer measures the voltage of the resistor. If it matches the value stored in the computer it will allow your car to start. If the value does not match, or is 0, the starter will be disabled along with spark and fuel.

                  It is a common occurance for the small wires in the ignition cylinder that take the reading off the key to break. When this happens, the car will not crank and the security light will turn on. The solution is to replace the lock cylinder.

                  You might want to try cleaning the pelet on your key first, or try a different key. Sometimes the contacts on the pelet get dirty.
                  Tracy
                  2002 C5 M6 Convertible
                  1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
                  Current Mods:
                  SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    TraceZ

                    Thank you so much for your reply. We are going to try that. We would have never even thought about that. That makes alot of sense. THanks again. I will let you know if it worked. I have another key that I can try.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      TraceZ,

                      If I do need to replace the lock cylinder, is that something that's difficult to do? Let me know.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        It may also be the ignition switch, located on the backside of the column about half way down. It requires dropping the steering column to gain access to the switch. Sometimes the starter would engage and spin, other times nothing. No click, nada. Replaced the switch and all was solved.

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                        • #13
                          Thanks for the info. This gives us some ideas of what to do.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by 98TransAm
                            TraceZ,

                            If I do need to replace the lock cylinder, is that something that's difficult to do? Let me know.
                            Not too bad. You will need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate compressor in addition to the standard hand tools.

                            Disconnect the - bat cable first!

                            remove the airbag and steering wheel
                            remove the airbag coil
                            remove the lock plate and horn ring
                            remove the turn signal/hazard switch
                            remove the key buzzer contact
                            remove the ignition lock cylinder

                            The hardest part is getting the wire that goes from the lock cylinder out of the column and getting the new one routed back in. Be patient.



                            You may want to use a test light at the starter before you go to much farther, though. Clip the wire for the test light on a good ground and put the probe on the start terminal of the starter. Have a friend turn the key to "start". Your test light should illuminate, assuming the signal is getting to the starter. If it does, the problem is the starter solonoid, not the VATS.

                            That is why I was asking if the "secutity" light was on. I was trying to determine if the problem was VATS, starter or ignition switch.
                            Tracy
                            2002 C5 M6 Convertible
                            1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
                            Current Mods:
                            SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids

                            Comment

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