C51999MAN

My 1999 C5 manual won't start. Both Steering Column Lock recalls were done. I installed the LMC5 which fixed the car shutting off after 2 seconds of driving. I have got the car started a few times since the LMC5 install but lately not at all. Seems to be a long intermittent problem. I had a new starter with solenoid installed and my battery is charged and I used a jump box with the battery. PO452 is the only current code I get. I tried a spare key which does not start it. I opened up the BCM and it looks like new. I hear the contacts in the ignition switch get dirty. I didn't do anything about that. Any ideas? Thanks

3boystoys

Will it push start? You get power inside? Maybe the Neutral safety switch is not adjusted correctly or broken?

C51999MAN

I didn't try push starting it because of how its parked on a slope with a wall in front of the car. I get power with the lights working and dash lights. When I turn the key (not in start position) the volts drop down to 12 on the volt gauge (not tested with an Ohm meter on the battery). When I try to start it the volt gauge drops all the way down to 8 and all lights on the dash go out. I hear the clicking on the passenger floor like you should. Any ideas?

martysauto

Check battery and starter connections. If ok, get a volt meter and check to see what voltage is at the battery cable end at the starter while someone holds the key to crank position. Also check the voltage at the starter s terminal in crank position. If it's 12-12.8 volts, the starter is junk.
Don't forget to make sure the battery ground at the engine is clean and tight.

C51999MAN

I had the battery tested and it checked out. Also I hooked a fully charged jump box to it and the volts read on the dash shows 12V and drops all the way down to 8V when I try to start it.

BigGun

Check the cables at the starter. Must be clean and tight.

C51999MAN

I had a new starter installed with solenoid. To my surprise the mechanic was able to get around my exhaust without dropping it. This is a common myth where most people think its impossible to install the starter without dropping the exhaust.

martysauto

Are you saying you had the starter done in the last 2 days and the cars is fixed, or the connections are tight because a starter had been done previously?

C51999MAN

Connections are tight cause starter was done about a week ago. Car will not start still.

BigGun

Recent work. That's the next thing I would check.

martysauto

It's very possible you got a defective starter. Did you run the test I described in post#4?

helga203

Could be a fluke that they loosen up. You never know. I would check to make sure their tight to rule out loose connection and then you can focus on other possibilities.

3boystoys

Did you ever check the switch on the clutch??

3boystoys

Hard to tell from his responses. Can't tell if it's actually cranking OK and not starting or not cranking at all.

darnplumber

is the security light flashing?

jim993

FIRST check the battery side terminals tight at 11 foot pounds.