1990 no start issue

[Vetman]

Is it possible to reach the neutral clutch switch plug wire and putting a bi pass wire in through the side panel by the driver?s door. I?m 76 and dread crawling under the dash!

[mlipmd]

I don't know if you could see it from there and you would need to get your hand to work in there and pull the switch down. Maybe be able to see it from here and reach under the dash with your right hand to get at it. It may be harder than approaching it from under the dash. How do you know that's the problem? They don't fail very often and it's more likely the starter solenoid that's the cause of the "dreaded no start" problem.
Do a search on here or on the Corvette Forum, there's a lot of info on this.

[Vetman]

I don?t know. The battery is new and when I turn key to on everything lights up as it should and when I turn it to start there is no click and the dash lights don?t dim. Do you still think it is more likely the starter solenoid?

[Vetman]

Is there an easy way to determine if my problem is the solenoid?

[Dynomite]

Sounds like you just determined it isn't [emoji16]


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[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Have you taken each of these steps as outlined last year?

12-04-2024 #4
DRM500RUBYZR-1


DRM500RUBYZR-1's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mullica Hill, NJ
Posts: 2,619
Default Re: Dreaded no start
Often times on C-4's, owners encountered the No-Start and we would see that there were two sets of floormats, which interfered with a full clutch depression.
Simple, but saw it over a dozen times.

Next step is the VATS. Clean the key; try again, then as Thomas correctly suggested try another key. I have a new tested spare secreted within the car just for such fun days.

The FSM details a very correct diagnosis procedure.

I would rule out the simple things first, but the no dim on turn to start, APPEARS to point to VATS or Clutch Switch, however I would also confirm that there is no deflection , even a minor one of the voltage needle as the key is turned.

Once you see the small gauge of the white wires from the ignition switch running down the column to the module you will understand how easily they can be pinched and fail to accurately convey the needed resistance value.

Bypassing the clutch switch to TEST would then be the next step, although I am not an advocate of permanent bypass. While you or I may never forget to depress the clutch and ensure you are in neutral out of habit, some one else who might move the car may not have the same religion, so if it tests bad, replacing it is the best path. The 90-92 years are very prone to such failures.

If the switch bypass fails, then trace that purple wire as best you can to make sure it is not pinched somewhere.

If still a no go, search for a starter and plan on the plenum pull, but first as said earlier review and perform the diag procedure in the manual.

Keep us posted on your progress.


Marty

Do you have the Factory service manual?
:cheers:
Marty

[Vetman]

Thanks for the follow-up. I got my spare key and still nothing. It has been 5 months since it last ran and I didn?t want it to sit any longer so I pulled the car out of my garage. I have a small slop down my driveway so I coasted down the driveway and poped the clutch in second and it started immediately. Ran perfect. So I think I?ll pull the seat out and un plug the clutch switch. Any suggestions on how to build a good bi pass wire? I really appreciate your help and expertise! Thank you

[XfireZ51]

My clutch switch has been permanently bypassed for 14yrs. I swapped one of those babies out on my 84 when I was much younger and flexible. Ain?t no way u can pretzel yourself under there these days.

[Dynomite]

Is it possible to reach the neutral clutch switch plug wire and putting a bi pass wire in through the side panel by the driver?s door. I?m 76 and dread crawling under the dash!

Post 293 - Bypassing Clutch Safety Switch (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-15.html#post1596384616)

[XfireZ51]

Post 293 - Bypassing Clutch Safety Switch (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-15.html#post1596384616)

Yep. Exactly what I did. I still depress the clutch to start the car altho don?t need to. Just in case I overlooked putting trans in Neutral.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Thanks for the follow-up. I got my spare key and still nothing. It has been 5 months since it last ran and I didn?t want it to sit any longer so I pulled the car out of my garage. I have a small slop down my driveway so I coasted down the driveway and poped the clutch in second and it started immediately. Ran perfect. So I think I?ll pull the seat out and un plug the clutch switch. Any suggestions on how to build a good bi pass wire? I really appreciate your help and expertise! Thank you

A better plan might be to:
1- remove the hush panel
2- build the wire per the instructions
3- grab your cell phone
4- go to the bank
5- get a crisp new $50.00 bill
6- take the bill phone and wire to a good local mechanic
7- show him the pictures on your phone
8- offer him the $50.00 for 5 minutes of bending down on a knee.

I am 4 yrs younger, and if I tried to accomplish that, my wife would be phoning 911 to have the EMT's get me out of there.

Keep us posted of your pending victory!
:cheers:
Marty

[WARP TEN]

A better plan might be to:
1- remove the hush panel
2- build the wire per the instructions
3- grab your cell phone
4- go to the bank
5- get a crisp new $50.00 bill
6- take the bill phone and wire to a good local mechanic
7- show him the pictures on your phone
8- offer him the $50.00 for 5 minutes of bending down on a knee.

I am 4 yrs younger, and if I tried to accomplish that, my wife would be phoning 911 to have the EMT's get me out of there.

Keep us posted of your pending victory!
:cheers:
Marty

Better advice has never been offered, Marty.--Bob

[Vetman]

Funny!!! I have been dreading this for months. I do have a grand son in law who is a small dude, works with heavy equipment and I?m sure he could scramble up there with these photos and directions. Maybe I?ll make up the connector and suduce him with a C note😆 thanks to all of you and you help!!

[mlipmd]

I honestly don't know what your problem is to reach under the dash and get to the clutch safety switch. I did this 2 or 3 years ago when I was 79 or 80 years old and had no problem. It's been disconnected and bypassed for the last 3 years and to me, growing up with stick shift cars, it's the normal thing to do to step on the clutch before hitting the starter. Most modern cars will not start unless you hit the brake pedal first, so what's the big deal? Take off the hush panel, get a flashlight and look up under the clutch pedal and you'll see it.