NO START

[vinsZR-1]

Took my Z out today for a 10 mile run.
Turned it off for 15 minutes.
Went to start and it would not crank.
I use a battery tender.
Any suggestions?

90 Z #1966
Red/Red

[Tyler Townsley]

Originally Posted by vinsZR-1

Took my Z out today for a 10 mile run.
Turned it off for 15 minutes.
Went to start and it would not crank.
I use a battery tender.
Any suggestions?

90 Z #1966
Red/Red

Jumper around clutch switch. Pull drivers hush panel find purple wire going to clutch switch and jumper around it. It is a known problem. The switch is not designed to handle the current flow in the 90-91 cars. The design was changed in 92.

Tyler

[Z Factor]

I assume it is not turning over based on your description. So go with the battery basics first. Make sure your connections are tight with no corrosion. Next make sure the battery has enough power. If you have sufficient power it might be the VATS which you can bypass, or what Tyler suggested it is. If it is turning over but not starting then go through the fuel basics.
Let us know how you are progressing so we can help you to figure it out.

[1990 415]

mine did this 2 months ago and my brother's has done the same. it was from the starter getting too hot. one hour later after it cooled off she started right up. Gordon Killebrew gave me a tool to take in the car if it happens when I am away from home. it is a three foot long rod which is used to rap the starter and knock the solenoid loose. if your car starts after it has cooled down, then it is the starter.

[bobbyhi]

Originally Posted by Tyler Townsley

Jumper around clutch switch. Pull drivers hush panel find purple wire going to clutch switch and jumper around it. It is a known problem. The switch is not designed to handle the current flow in the 90-91 cars. The design was changed in 92.

Tyler

I have to go with Tyler on this one. Happened on my '90 a couple of years ago and put in a by-pass relay. Got all of the info the Mr.TC Crabs of this forum. Haven't had a problem since. I tried hitting the starter with the bar but that didn' help.

[tccrab]

Originally Posted by bobbyhi

I have to go with Tyler on this one. Happened on my '90 a couple of years ago and put in a by-pass relay. Got all of the info the Mr.TC Crabs of this forum. Haven't had a problem since. I tried hitting the starter with the bar but that didn' help.

Hiya Bob!
Felt my ears burning, knew my name was being tossed around somewhere...
Hope all is well.

About the Dreaded No Start...
My favorite topic.

By all means, do as Tyler suggests, the clutch safety switch is a common problem, a weak link for sure.
But if you jumper it out and it STILL gives you problems, here's what you need to do:

The Purple wire is located in the main wiring loom just behind the ECM. There's plenty of room to tap into it inside the wiring loom.
In a nutshell what you are doing is using the 12v signal from the Purple wire which comes directly from the Ignition Key to activate a relay. This relay when energized engages the starter with power directly from the battery.
You'll never have the Dreaded No Start again.
Everything can be done and hidden underneath the ECM.
Nobody other than a NCRS judge or a LT5 guru will ever be able to tell that you've modified the wiring of your car.
Good luck!!!

TomC
"Crabs"

[vinsZR-1]

Thanks to all who replied
Loose cable connection


90 #1966
Red/Red

[pig_iron]

Originally Posted by Tyler Townsley

Jumper around clutch switch. Pull drivers hush panel find purple wire going to clutch switch and jumper around it. It is a known problem. The switch is not designed to handle the current flow in the 90-91 cars. The design was changed in 92.

Tyler

How do I "jumper around it"? I've found it but I need more detail on what you mean by "jumping".

[pig_iron]

Uhhhh.... Is it possible for the car to start when the clutch switch is completely unplugged? The plug-in for the switch has been disconnected and the car starts right up... I just don't get this car.

Half the time I need someone to push start it while I pop the clutch from 2nd. The other half it starts fine. I don't understand how it would even work w/ the clutch switch disengaged.

[gbrtng]

Originally Posted by pig_iron

Uhhhh.... Is it possible for the car to start when the clutch switch is completely unplugged? The plug-in for the switch has been disconnected and the car starts right up... I just don't get this car.

NO, the clutch switch is a normally open switch which is closed when the clutch pedal is pushed in - closing the circuit from the 'battery' to the starter solenoid. You might be looking at the cruise control switch at the clutch pedal instead. Or somebody has already done a wiring modification to the clutch switch. You need to consult the factory service manual to see what's up.