1990 no start issue - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Vetman · 2 Weeks Ago

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 · 2 Weeks Ago

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 · 2 Weeks Ago

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 · 2 Weeks Ago

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

Dynomite · 2 Weeks Ago

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

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 2 Weeks Ago

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?

Marty

Vetman · 1 Week Ago

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 · 1 Week Ago

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 · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

Post 293 - Bypassing Clutch Safety Switch

XfireZ51 · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Post 293 - Bypassing Clutch Safety Switch

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.

2 Weeks Ago	#1
Vetman Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Yakima Washington Posts: 409	1990 no start issue 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! __________________ Jim 1990 Z # 2441 1959 c-1 230 HP 4 speed frost blue/silver 3 owner 2011 cts-v 556 HP, manual 6 speed 1955 chev 2dr ht PP 265 3 speed w/OD

2 Weeks Ago	#2
mlipmd Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Crawfordville, FL Posts: 220	Re: 1990 no start issue 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.

2 Weeks Ago	#3
Vetman Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Yakima Washington Posts: 409	Re: 1990 no start issue 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? __________________ Jim 1990 Z # 2441 1959 c-1 230 HP 4 speed frost blue/silver 3 owner 2011 cts-v 556 HP, manual 6 speed 1955 chev 2dr ht PP 265 3 speed w/OD

2 Weeks Ago	#5
Dynomite Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Dakota/California Posts: 3,813	Re: 1990 no start issue Sounds like you just determined it isn't [emoji16] Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________ Clickable links On Iphone Touchable Links -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS

2 Weeks Ago	#6
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, NJ Posts: 2,630	Re: 1990 no start issue 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? Marty

2 Weeks Ago	#4
Vetman Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Yakima Washington Posts: 409	Re: 1990 no start issue Is there an easy way to determine if my problem is the solenoid? __________________ Jim 1990 Z # 2441 1959 c-1 230 HP 4 speed frost blue/silver 3 owner 2011 cts-v 556 HP, manual 6 speed 1955 chev 2dr ht PP 265 3 speed w/OD

1 Week Ago	#7
Vetman Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Yakima Washington Posts: 409	Re: 1990 no start issue 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 __________________ Jim 1990 Z # 2441 1959 c-1 230 HP 4 speed frost blue/silver 3 owner 2011 cts-v 556 HP, manual 6 speed 1955 chev 2dr ht PP 265 3 speed w/OD

1 Week Ago	#8
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,685	Re: 1990 no start issue 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.