Help! 1991 Corvette wont start!

[91Vette]

My 91 Corvette wont start at all. When you turn the key all the lights come on but no click or any kind of noise that its attempting to start. Just replaced the ignition switch, still the same problem. ANY idea on what it could be?

 

[vette079]

Could be the antitheft (vats) pulling a trick. Try this: Open the dr.s. door, check the little knob back in the door (not the one for the hatch), try to pull it out gently with a putty knife (it can be stuck). Lock the door with the grey (power door lock) knob and unlock it again with the key. Try start. If it doesn´t start, then there is something else going on. Do this check first, it´s free.

 

[91Vette]

Nope didn't work still doing the same thing

 

[CURLEY2]

Nope didn't work still doing the same thing

i remember when i had my 84 i had the same thing happen to me. it was the security system but it was the passenger side door that has to be unlocked or opened a certain way. i don't know if it is the same way with your 91, i have a 93 and thankfully it hasn't happened to me yet. just curleys 2 cents worth!:cool

 

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

manual or auto?

 

[91Vette]

Its an automatic. I also tried the passenger door trick but still no luck. I got the codes off the car and its saying the VAT s Circuit fault, so i ordered the resistor to bypass it so maybe it will work. I hope.

 

[vette079]

Tried key number two (if you have one)?

 

[91Vette]

Yes.

 

[johnny80]

Had same problem on mine recently. I replaced the lock cylinder thinking that would be it. What a pain to pull the steering wheel and replace. Still no start. Took it to my buddy at a repair shop, it was the wiring on the "junction box" that was bad. He fixed it for me. I wish I had watched to learn but didn't have time. I just dropped off the car and he fixed it right up.

Good luck and somebody should be able to give you good advice on what resolve you might need.

 

[91Vette]

ok so i got the resistor in today, installed it and still no crank!! ANY idea on what it could be?

 

[JimBobC4]

ok so i got the resistor in today, installed it and still no crank!! ANY idea on what it could be?

This may sound dumb, but have you checked the starter ?

You may be able to jump the connector with a test wire just to see if it spins. Just a thought.

 

[91Vette]

Not yet

 

[johnny80]

I wished I watched my buddy fix mine, but I didn't. I am not sure what else to tell you at this moment. keep trying, somebody here will get us through this. They always do.

 

[vette079]

Could be the switch to the automatic that determines if lever is in P or N? Don´t know right now what it´s called. Park/Neutral switch?

 

[CAJUN C4]

If it's a manual check the clutch safety start switch.

 

[gw962]

Disclaimer - These directions are from my 90 FSM and may not be entirely accurate for a 91.

Check your CCM for codes and proper operation.
Ground A (top right) & G (bottom left) on the ALDL.

The CCM will display any codes in the speedo panel. C codes are current, H is History. It should scroll through 2 or 3 modules ( 1, 4 & 7 if equipped)

Module 1 is the CCM
Module 2 is for the ECM
Module 7 is for Active Suspension

You will probably have an H code and possibly a C, for VATS.

Now, even with the new bypass in place, the CCM may not be reading the value correctly. To check the CCM data ( hopefully it didn't change for the 91) push the Trip/Odo button to change the readout to 1.2.
Look in the odometer display and you should see a 01 on the left. Push ENG/MET button until 06 is in the readout. The display should show 3 digits to the right of 06. These numbers correspond to the resistance the CCM is reading from the key, or bypass.

This is a list of the numbers and key code:

33 - 38 1
42 - 47 2
52 - 58 3
64 - 70 4
76 - 83 5
91 - 98 6
106-113 7
121-128 8
136-143 9
149-156 10
164-170 11
177-183 12
188-193 13
200-204 14
208-212 15

Since you ordered a bypass, you should know your key code and be able to compare it to these numbers. If the problem is still VATS related, this should verify it.

Just so you know, I also had the same problem and ordered a bypass. Mine still did not want to turn over and the key value still didn't match.
I ended up snaking my fingers behind the CCM and wiggling connectors until the value changed to the range accepted by the CCM. She's been starting ever since.

 

[91Vette]

Problem resolved!!!

The VATS bypass did work. I guess it somehow reset its self last night. I went to try to get the codes like gw962 was saying, and just for the heck of it tried to start it and it cranked right up!