DETROITc4

ever since my stereo install my car somtimes wont start, i have full power about 13.4 volts and all lights work fine but wont even click, ill wait a few minutes then itll start right up like nothin happened. is there something amis? just kinda buggin me
thanks
ryan

fiddleplayer

Manual or auto? Could be clutch pedal switch, neutral/park switch, ignition switch. You'll need to find out if you're getting voltage to the solenoid on the starter. If that voltage is present, you have a bad solenoid. If it is not present, then one of the above is suspect.

DETROITc4

its an auto, everything seems fine but just wont do anything then 5 mins later itll start up like brand new

88BigGuy

I had same problem last year(knock on wood not this year yet). I cannot remember where, but I read on this site that there is a problem with the chip in the key. Seems that if it has not contacted correctly, your car will not start for 4 min. Try searching on key chip or something like that. Or maybe someone elts will chime in and let you know.

Frank Zeman

Did they have a VATS in '86? Sounds suspiciously similar to the problem I am having with my '87. I have just about gotten to the VATS start relay as the culprit.

DETROITc4

i didnt even think about it might being the key, well i just used an eraser on the little security chip on it, i heard that might help, i hope it helps, im not sure about vats on my car never thought about it

1987vette

had that problem with my 87vette - new keys fixed it

VetteNoob

Yep, VATS started in 86. What joy... So Detriot, did the key thing work?

jfb

When the starter won't crank, can you hear the start enable relay click behind the center of the dash? If you can, then jump the xmsn selector sw and try again. If you can't , then most likely your contacts in the ign sw are not making with the pellet. Find the 2 pin connector by the steering column under the floor carpet and unplug and measure the ohms on the wires coming out of the steering column with the key in the ign. You should measure the same resistance as the pellet. If over 10k ohms, then you need a new ignition switch. You can make VATS think there is a key in the ignition by clipping a fixed resistor the same value as your pellet onto the 2 wires going over to the passenger side. Don't bypass the VATS permanently as the most common theft is by bashing the column and jumping the ignition. I drive my 87 everyday (178k) and I am on ign sw #2.

DETROITc4

i cleaned the key up and so far no problems went right away on the first try i think i may have fixed my mystery problem :cheers: