???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
04-13-2005, 05:22 PM
#1
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???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
OK, this could be a lot of things but I'm hoping to know where to go next...
First a summary. The first time I go to start the car, whether it's been in the garage or outside, if it's sat overnight it WILL start the first time I turn the key. Meaning the starter engages. After that, it's anyone's guess. After I drive it a mile or 30 miles, doesn't seem to matter, then try to restart it, it may or may not start, meaning that when I turn the key to the 'crank' position, the starter does NOT crank. It acts like there's no juice to the solenoid.
What I HAVE done to try to fix it... First, I tried a new key, as the VATS module came up here in the searches. New key did the same thing. Next I tried replacing the resistor in the key with a regular resistor in the wiring as directed by help from folks here on this forum, but still the same problem.
One odd thing is that it is somewhat temperature dependent... Meaning that if it's a hot day out and I drive a lot, getting the motor up to full temp, I'm less likely to get a crank. If it's a cool day and I only run short errands, I'm way more likely to get a crank. Solenoid?
I figure this could be several things, from the clutch switch that keeps the car from starting in gear to the starter solenoid or several safety switches in between. Is there another safety switch that I'm missing besides the clutch?
help
First a summary. The first time I go to start the car, whether it's been in the garage or outside, if it's sat overnight it WILL start the first time I turn the key. Meaning the starter engages. After that, it's anyone's guess. After I drive it a mile or 30 miles, doesn't seem to matter, then try to restart it, it may or may not start, meaning that when I turn the key to the 'crank' position, the starter does NOT crank. It acts like there's no juice to the solenoid.
What I HAVE done to try to fix it... First, I tried a new key, as the VATS module came up here in the searches. New key did the same thing. Next I tried replacing the resistor in the key with a regular resistor in the wiring as directed by help from folks here on this forum, but still the same problem.
One odd thing is that it is somewhat temperature dependent... Meaning that if it's a hot day out and I drive a lot, getting the motor up to full temp, I'm less likely to get a crank. If it's a cool day and I only run short errands, I'm way more likely to get a crank. Solenoid?
I figure this could be several things, from the clutch switch that keeps the car from starting in gear to the starter solenoid or several safety switches in between. Is there another safety switch that I'm missing besides the clutch?
help
Last edited by 350350; 04-13-2005 at 05:41 PM.
04-13-2005, 05:46 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2004
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
When it dosen't start does the car have any power inside meaning lights/radio etc. If not check the battery cables. Ask me how I know? Just give them a shake and try to start the car or have someone do it while you r trying to start. 
04-13-2005, 05:54 PM
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
Originally Posted by Whitlock97
When it dosen't start does the car have any power inside meaning lights/radio etc. If not check the battery cables. Ask me how I know? Just give them a shake and try to start the car or have someone do it while you r trying to start.
04-13-2005, 06:52 PM
#4
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
Coming from the son of an Alternator and Starter repair business owner (I just asked him about it! 
), I'd check all your cables first. Battery cables and the ones on the back of the starter. Make sure they're all tight and the ones next to the battery don't have corrosion. Then if that doesn't help, you need to have that starter checked out. The only thing bad about it though is it's hard for them to check it if it only messes up when hot.
Next time it won't turn over, try LIGHTLY!!!! tapping on the solenoid with a screwdriver or something while someone is trying to start it, that could answer a lot of questions.
Good luck.
Kyle
), I'd check all your cables first. Battery cables and the ones on the back of the starter. Make sure they're all tight and the ones next to the battery don't have corrosion. Then if that doesn't help, you need to have that starter checked out. The only thing bad about it though is it's hard for them to check it if it only messes up when hot.Next time it won't turn over, try LIGHTLY!!!! tapping on the solenoid with a screwdriver or something while someone is trying to start it, that could answer a lot of questions.
Good luck.
Kyle
04-13-2005, 07:05 PM
#5
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
Originally Posted by KyleBlue85Iroc-Z
Next time it won't turn over, try LIGHTLY!!!! tapping on the solenoid with a screwdriver or something while someone is trying to start it, that could answer a lot of questions.
04-13-2005, 08:14 PM
#6
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
my car does the same thing. i tried different keys like you to no avail. i have been stranded in a parking lot numerous times because of this. this has worked for me so far, i turn the key to the on position and let the security light go out, once it goes out it fires right up. so far so good it has been over a month without one hiccup.
04-14-2005, 12:06 PM
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
Originally Posted by 961le
my car does the same thing. i tried different keys like you to no avail. i have been stranded in a parking lot numerous times because of this. this has worked for me so far, i turn the key to the on position and let the security light go out, once it goes out it fires right up. so far so good it has been over a month without one hiccup.
04-14-2005, 03:07 PM
#9
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Re: ???LT1/M6 car No Crank Sometimes, Other Times Fires Right Up???
Originally Posted by KyleBlue85Iroc-Z
Coming from the son of an Alternator and Starter repair business owner (I just asked him about it! ), I'd check all your cables first. Battery cables and the ones on the back of the starter. Make sure they're all tight and the ones next to the battery don't have corrosion. Then if that doesn't help, you need to have that starter checked out. The only thing bad about it though is it's hard for them to check it if it only messes up when hot.
Next time it won't turn over, try LIGHTLY!!!! tapping on the solenoid with a screwdriver or something while someone is trying to start it, that could answer a lot of questions.
Good luck.
Kyle
), I'd check all your cables first. Battery cables and the ones on the back of the starter. Make sure they're all tight and the ones next to the battery don't have corrosion. Then if that doesn't help, you need to have that starter checked out. The only thing bad about it though is it's hard for them to check it if it only messes up when hot.Next time it won't turn over, try LIGHTLY!!!! tapping on the solenoid with a screwdriver or something while someone is trying to start it, that could answer a lot of questions.
Good luck.
Kyle
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