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Turn Key and Nothing Happens

Old 01-17-2011, 08:06 PM
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TexasSilverVette
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Default Turn Key and Nothing Happens

I have had a problem with my 2002 C5 for months. Usually when hot, I turn the key and nothing happens. I could not replicate it for the dealer. The first dealer could not figure out the problem. The second dealer told me it was the ignition and replaced for for nearly a grand. Today, the same thing happened. Brand new battery. This, combined with the fuel indicator issue (indicating an empty tank at random times) that I have had for over a year, and which the first dealer attempted to fix FOUR times, has caused me to believe that there is not a competent Chevy dealer in Dallas.
Old 01-17-2011, 08:11 PM
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k24556
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auto or manual? My 2000 was a manual and i had that situation. If I depressed the clutch a coupe of times it would start, figured it was the switch that tells the circuit the clutch is all the way in.
Old 01-17-2011, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by DeanMalone
I have had a problem with my 2002 C5 for months. Usually when hot, I turn the key and nothing happens. I could not replicate it for the dealer. The first dealer could not figure out the problem. The second dealer told me it was the ignition and replaced for for nearly a grand. Today, the same thing happened. Brand new battery. This, combined with the fuel indicator issue (indicating an empty tank at random times) that I have had for over a year, and which the first dealer attempted to fix FOUR times, has caused me to believe that there is not a competent Chevy dealer in Dallas.
ALL CORVETTE DEALERS MOSTLY SUCK!


That being said, the brains on this forum need more info from you to be able to help you. There is more knowledge to be had here than anywhere else.


The brains would need:


DIC codes for starters, and a more detailed description of "nothing happens". For example, not even a click when you bump the key?


My first guess is a ground problem that has no connection to engine temp,,,,,but now you got me guessing....and I am NOT a CF brain.









CALLING ALL BRAINS!





Old 01-17-2011, 10:59 PM
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redrckt97
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when you say "nothing happens" does that mean it won't crank?...does the dash etc light up? ...power on but not cranking when hot can be a faulty starter or solenoid.
Old 01-18-2011, 07:19 AM
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SharkByte
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My '04 recently developed what sounds like the same problem. Twist the key and the cluster runs through the self check but the starter doesn't even click. It literally runs the instrument cluster check and does nothing. You twist the key back and try it again and it starts right up like nothing was wrong. Usually it starts on the first try, sometimes it takes 2-3 twists, sometimes it takes 5... The C5 tech guru's said it was the ignition so I'm planning on pulling it out and rebuilding it this weekend to see if that fixes it. If thats not it I'll park the car for a few months when I go to Afghanistan at the end of the month and trade it in on a C6 when I get home...
Old 01-18-2011, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by SharkByte
My '04 recently developed what sounds like the same problem. Twist the key and the cluster runs through the self check but the starter doesn't even click. It literally runs the instrument cluster check and does nothing. You twist the key back and try it again and it starts right up like nothing was wrong. Usually it starts on the first try, sometimes it takes 2-3 twists, sometimes it takes 5... The C5 tech guru's said it was the ignition so I'm planning on pulling it out and rebuilding it this weekend to see if that fixes it. If thats not it I'll park the car for a few months when I go to Afghanistan at the end of the month and trade it in on a C6 when I get home...
Your issue does indeed sound like the ignition switch. The OP's issue could easily be a clutch switch or security issue or the solenoid itself. Codes will help to determine which.
Old 01-18-2011, 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by dgrant3830
Your issue does indeed sound like the ignition switch. The OP's issue could easily be a clutch switch or security issue or the solenoid itself. Codes will help to determine which.
Mine is not throwing any codes at all... That was the first thing I checked
Old 01-18-2011, 11:10 AM
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Yes, I agree. Even if the security was causing an issue, there would be a code. Now lastly, do you hear a click in the passenger footwell and/or do you hear the starter solenoid click loudly? If the TDR relay is actuating but the voltage from it to the solenoid isn't getting there, then a new relay is in order. But if the TDR isn't getting activated, its either the security or the ignition switch...clutch switch if equipped, neutral switch for autos...
Old 01-18-2011, 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by 8VETTE7
If there are no codes then I would strongly suspect the ignition switch has some burned contacts and is in need of the Bill Curlee Ignition Switch Repair:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
Thats the DIY guide I'm going to be following Just have to have a few hours I can be without the car to rip it apart and fix it...
Old 01-18-2011, 02:20 PM
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mmartinez
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I would suspect the starter/solenoid because you mentioned that it does not want to start after it has been has warmed up. My first suggestion is to measure the switch terminal on the solenoid and check for 12 volts when it does not want to start, if 12 volts is present then its either your starter/solenoid or bad grounds. If 12 volts is not there then its something upstream, TDR, neutral safety switch, or bad contacts on ignition switch. Good Luck.

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