starting issue

[suspect]

95 corvette........i think my starting switch control (or whatever it's called) is going bad. about 1 out of 6 starts, it won't start. doesn't click or anything. i just wait about 5-10 mins and it starts like it was nothing. i think the little metal chip on the key is worn out.

anyway, orielly's has a switch (the entire switch w/keys). am i going to run into any problems changing this out? the computer? security?

thanks.

 

[1963SS]

Just get another key made. The dealer can cut you one but a locksmith is usually lots cheaper.

 

[boomdriver]

The key pellet/switch has to match the computer resistance code...or it will see the new key and switch as a foriegn object and shut the system down again.

Most dealers can read the key and tell you which code it is. Try a new key first. The contacts inside the switch don;t actually wear out...they get dirty or they get bent and do not make good contact. Until you replace it, each time you want to drive insert the key and pull it in/out once or twice to help make contact. This seems to help. Mine does the same thing and will have little tantrums and do it everyday for a week then not again for 1 year.....Everytime I get serious about replacing the switch and key it starts working well and I forget about it....
Been playing that game for 3 years.......lately its been happy so I've been happy.

Ace hardware also reads VATS / passkey car keys.

 

[suspect]

thanks for the input. i will get a key made. yeah, it will go a full week without doing it, then start doing it everyday for a couple days.

 

[suspect]

i went to the dealership and got a new key lock cylinder and key made. once i took out the old cylinder, 1 of the 2 wires was seperated. i was thinking, alright that's the problem. got it put back together and it doesn't start. the chimes and all come on, but nothing else.

could the security be the issue? is there a way to bybass security?

would i have any luck soldering the split wire back together on the old cylinder and putting it back in?

thanks

 

[suspect]

i'm impatient, i just finished soldering the old wire back and put it back in. still won't start. i'm going to wait and hour or so and hopefully the security resets.

 

[boomdriver]

i'm impatient, i just finished soldering the old wire back and put it back in. still won't start. i'm going to wait and hour or so and hopefully the security resets.

Thats probably the issue. The system works off of electrical resistance in the key circuit. If the ECM (vats module) see's the wrong resistance value as the ign is turned to ON...it trips the VATS and shuts everything down. I honestly cannot say if a soldered wire would alter that or not. Just be sure you are using the right key in the old lock cyl. They MIGHT be different.

System reset should be within 20 minutes...usually 5 to 10. If attempted before reset is complete, it resets to the OFF cycle again for ...who knows how long...somewhere between 5 & 15 minutes. :ugh

There are 2 portions to the VATS....starter enable and fuel injection thru the ECM. I know that you can easily bypass the starter enable relay (which MAY be the problem, they DO fail) by jumping the 2 big yellow wires that go to the starter enable relay hidden behind the center display. If its a bad VATS module, that requires a new module, or a prom thats been burned to erase VATS and not use the module.
As miserable as VATS (now called Passkey and real cool to have) is when its malfunctioning....its STILL the best and most reliable anti-theft system ever invented. As difficult as it is for the owner to drive sometimes...its nearly impossible for a thief. It was designed to waste TIME...what a car thief does not have. I ahve not heard of a stolen Corvette in many many years....unless it was towed or stolen out of a valet lot.

 

[suspect]

well, i respect your knowledge and appreciate your help. i originally bought this car to daily drive and fix up and sale, but there are just too many problems with it. others before me definetely didn't take care of it, it's a bit ragged out like it was a ford taurus. someone spoiled had it i guess.

anyway, i'm going to trade it in on a new truck. i'm going to try and bybass the starter relay, i would love to drive this into the dealership on a trade in rather than get it towed in. i'm not going to have much negotiating pull if i get it towed.

 

[Baldie88]

For what it's worth, I had the same problem on my 88. It would start every time for weeks and then just not start. After bypassing the VATS and putting in a new starter enable switch I finally replaced the starter. Starts every time now for the past 4 years.

It just drives me crazy when they don't start so I can appreciate your frustration.

Good luck.

Ron
"Baldie88"