Stuck out with a no start.

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by ZWILD1

I was reading an old post about this on the Corvette Forum. They included links back here but they were no longer good. Instead of doing the 5 pin relay method I'd just as soon replace the starter. I have one I picked up for my other 91 Z but never used. That car never left me stranded. The only thing the previous owner did was a neutral safety bypass.

David,

What you are describing is a classic symptom of solenoid contacts gone bad. Jim V. Has a few solenoid rebuild kit; I think. If you do replace the starter, don?t trash the old one.

[ZWILD1]

Is that what the whole relay circuit modification is correcting ? Is this what degrades over time causing the no start issue?

[Great White]

I had the exact same issue with my '92 after I got it. The problem was "finger tight" battery terminals.

[BigJohn]

It all depends on the fingers

[Great White]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

It all depends on the fingers

Thanks for swinging at that one! Didn't even realize I left it hanging out there.

[Racinfan83]

I had that happen once. At a club meeting. Got 4 or 5 guys to push and it pop started. Got home and it started right up. Did the relay mod and never a problem since...

[Mystic ZR-1]

Big John can remove lugnuts using only his fingers!
Doesn't need a jack either! Holds the car up with one
hand and changes the tire with the other!
😀

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by ZWILD1

Is that what the whole relay circuit modification is correcting ? Is this what degrades over time causing the no start issue?

Yes. Prior to the 93 MY, the issue is the high current arcing in the clutch safety switch that erodes the contacts to the point where at first the switch becomes intermittent, and then finally inoperable.

The clutch safety switch is not an issue beginning with the 93 MY cars due to a circuit design change utilizing a relay to handle the current, so the 93+ cars seldom (if ever) have an issue with the clutch safety switch.

However, a relay can be installed in the 90-92 cars which provides the same relief to that safety switch as the 93+ cars enjoy by re-routing the high current carried by the purple wire from the safety switch through the contacts of a relay installed behind the battery compartment. The current from the safety switch activates the relay instead of the starter which greatly reduces the current/arching that was the issue with the 90-92 safety relays.

See attached...

.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Let's start here:

Try an alternate key.
I always keep a new spare hidden in the car just for such fun events.

Make sure if you have aftermarket floor mats that you try removing them when this happens to make sure that you are getting the clutch all of the way down to override the clutch safety switch.

Observe the volt meter when this occurs. Does the needle deflect when you go from run to start.
If it does not, then you are likely trapped in either the VATS protocol or the neutral / clutch switch protocol.
If it deflects then likely a starter issue.

If the clutch switch is the suspect, there is an override wiring procedure to update your 90.
Search the forum here and you will find it discussed.

If the key was the original culprit, likely still is until ruled out.

Then try this:

Check simple things first:
1- Make sure that if you have the usual logo replacement floor mats that are 3 times the thickness of the originals, that it indeed lets you depress the clutch pedal ALL of the way. Occasionally, the mat may slide forward and up, and while you think you are depressing it fully, you may be missing it by a little.


2- Check your battery connections. I know they LOOK tight, but grab the wrench and make sure that they ARE tight.


3- Battery? How old? On a Battery Tender? These cars are VERY sensitive to battery condition. If you have even mildly reduced voltage, strange things happen. Check it or charge it, then check it.


4- When you turn the key, observe if you have a deflection of the volt meter needle. It should move when you bump the key.
If you see no movement, you may not be getting by the clutch switch, the VATS, or the theft deterrent system.


Rule out the obvious and simple causes FIRST.


Find the no start sticky and march through it!


Let us know of your progress.
Marty