89 GTA starting problems... HELP !!!!!

[gogzhero]

Just bought an 89 Trans Am GTA 5 speed.... On the way home i tried to turn on the stereo and the tachometer went dead ( stock stereo with steering controls).... Car still ran great !!! So I wake up and go try to start it in the AM and it just cranks.... Checked fuses under dash and all seems ok..... Does anyone have any ideas???? HELP PLEASE !!!!! U can IM me at GOGZHERO @AOL.COM or get me here ...... scott

[DeWynter]

Sounds like the stereo and tach have a ground loop problem, though I cant for the life of me figure how they would be connected, did you turn off the stereo and the tach come back on? Check the basics, make sure you have gas, spark, air (filter plugged). Use a timing light or Pull a spark plug and put the wire back on and ground it to the block and get someone to turn over the car to see if it has spark. turn on the key and listen to see if the fuel pump starts, should be a low buzzing from the back of the car. Make sure the air filter is clean. do a visual inspection of the wires under the hood to make sure everything is hooked up. Check the Fuse beside the batt. attatched to the rad support too. does it fire at all? sputtering more info could help us help you.

[gogzhero]

thanks DeWynter ......

Car will not start period .... When I bought the car the owner told me that the stereo did not work .... A buddy and I did test for spark at the coil and didnt get any .... He said he thought maybe it was one of those code problems... Stereo says " LOC " on it..... We did replace the coil just to see and still nothing... Also checked that fuse by radiator support... It was good... The only thing I would like to add is when u try to start it, the fuel pump runs for about 15-20 secs.... Is this too long? Lemme know, Scott

[gogzhero]

PS----

When i turn stereo back on, tach still dead . Is there a tach fuse?

[DeWynter]

Well with the LOC on the radio it sounds like it just might be the VATS system, Try cleaning the little pellet in the key with isopropal alcohol, or try wigling the key around when you try to start the car. Also try unhooking the batt. for a good 15 min to clear the theft code on the car. as if it thinks your stealing the car it locks the starter out. you can test the resistance of the pellet with a digital multi-meter and try bypassing the VATS system totally if indead it is the VATS. Look on the www.thirdgen.org site under tech articals to see how to bypass the VATS system.

[gogzhero]

Found problem !!!!!!!!!!!

Was a dist. cap and rotor and ignition coil that needed replaced...... Thanks DeWynter !!!!!!!!! scott PS- need a rear spoiler in good shape for my 89 Trans Am and a tan t-top headliner.... please email me at gogzhero@aol.com