Dreaded no start

[Vetman]

After 12 years, two trips to NCM from WA state, one to Carlisle, PA, one to Chicago to have Marc replace injectors etc, at 90,000 miles my 1990 Z has blessed me with that ?no start?. The battery is new, lights are bright and instrument lights stay bright when I turn the key to start, no click, nothing. I assume the clutch switch has gone bad. If you all agree, where is this switch located? Can I just bypass it?

[tccrab]

It's about half way up the clutch pedal.
Here's a Youtube video.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/searc...8&action=click
It's a bit of a chore to get to, removing the drivers seat makes the job a little easier.
Be forewarned, at 90k miles you might be dealing with a little more than a bad switch, you might be replacing the starter itself.

Crabs

[Thomas ZR-1]

What about worn contacts on the key for the VATS? The integrated key resistance needs contact to the system into the ignition switch. The anit-theft device awaits the fitting signal...if not: no start, no click...nothing. Check it again with your spare key. Maybe the contacts on the key bit are a little higher coming out from the surface.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

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

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

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.


Marty

I remove the clutch switch on all C4s since putting the transmission in neutral (and depressing the clutch) is my habit for all vehicles (or tractors which will NOT start iin gear) of any sort......

And I do NOT want to get into habit of a vehicle starting when in gear with the clutch switch installed and working....
And me popping the clutch and having 400 horses jumping forward or junping backward 😁😁

I assume the ZR1 will start in gear with clutch depressed....I will confirm that in a few minutes

YES....My ZR1s will start in gear with clutch depressed ....

so.....what happens if my foot slips off the clutch with engine running and transmission in gear

Nothing will happen with my habit of always taking a vehicle out of gear before starting the engine (and I want to let the engine warm up a bit before putting in gear to make sure oil iis fully circulated).......

I operate way too many vehicles not having a Clutch safety swiitch making it a habit to take vehicle out of gear when starting (starting your ZR1 in gear may not be so safe as you might think)

I may be all wet but it would not be the first time

[Vetman]

I assume the clutch switch is the same for ZR 1 as it is for L-98?s?

[Thomas ZR-1]

Yes that`s correct...and same to LT1

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Yes, same replacement switch for 90-96 Corvettes.

Marty

[mlipmd]

Is this a continuing problem, ie, it has failed to start since the first time it happened, or is it intermittent or only happens when the engine is hot?

[Vetman]

First time. Very cold when I tried.