84 won't start :(

[val]

:confused

I bought an '84 last month and no manuals yet. Never had a car with an anti-theft system, so I'm not familiar with what is normal. I have no ignition when I turn the key but the dash lights and radio come on. Am I being really stupid and it's no big deal or do I have to tow it to a mechanic? Have noticed little things that a friend suggested might be a "grounding problem" ... Is there something easy I can try?

 

[primeratec5]

Val,

Welcome to Corvette ownership-----------this is a common problem on most of the C-4 vettes.

Frustrating, especially when you are relying on "it" for day-to-day transportation. You will get several replies on this problem----because it may be one of several problems, but the most likely is the ignition key/ vats system on the key. I have done everything these other posts have told me but the most reliable so far has been to place key into ignition and while maintaining pressure on the key--turn it. The car will start 85-90 % of the times. When it does not start, wait at least 3 minutes and try again. If this corrects the problem, then you know it is the key/vats system.

On days when I am late, it never works the first time. If I am not in a hurry, it starts every time. On the days I am late my car always becomes a "sale" candidate. Good luck if this works--if it does not, look up vats under "search" and you will get more input.

When all said and done, you still own America's only sportscar and one of the best in the world!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with "it".

 

[vigman]

Uh guys

The 84 doesn't have VATS ( you need to check a few things first)


I will get back on previous posts for you to read

Vig!

 

[vigman]

This

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3480

 

[JonM]

The key on an 84 doesn't have a chip on it. You first want to check that the battery is in good shape and charged fully. Second, make sure the terminals on the battery are clean. Trace both cables see if you have any worn spots that maybe causing a shot. Check the starter wires, make sure they are tight and none of the wires are corroded. Sometimes if the smaller wires are not tight on the solenoid current jumps and causes corrosion. The starter wire also has a fusible link in it...use an ohms meter to check that it isn't blown. Try opening both doors with they key then try starting it. If it’s a manual, make sure the clutch is in, and the switch is adjusted correctly. If auto...needs to be in park or neutral. Also check the "Crank" fuse

 

[vigman]

And this

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2883

Nice post Jon!

Vig!

 

[vigman]

And this

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5784

 

[vigman]

After your done reading!

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7501

 

[evolution]

Ok... If it turns over but will not start, the culprit could be the distributor. There can be one of several problems that can happen to it.
Make sure there is spark:
If there is no spark it could be excessivle play in the distributor shaft. It could also be the gear at the bottom of the shaft as well. This happened to me and the funny is that with the cap off, the rotor would turn however, with the cap on it would seize. What happend was the pin that locks the gear had sheared and the crank would not spin the shaft with enough torque to fire the engine correctly.

Make sure you fuel pump works.

Check to see if the injectors are spitting.

The ignition-key-input-thingy could be defective as well.

There also must be some oil pressure for the car to run, no pressure, no fire. That can be caused by a oil pressure sender failure.

May the force be with you.

 

[primeratec5]

Val,

Sorry to have given you bum info--------I am still learning about these cars(?) as well. It seems there is one consistent---none of them run well all the time.

I assumed that all c-4's had this problem when, in fact, it appears that you do not have the same security system that the 86 has. Replies from these other guys will lead you to the solution. Good luck!

 

[chevyaddict]

We don't have the vats system on our 84 - no chip in the key. HOWEVER, are you saying the car is turning over and won't start or you don't even have it turning over. We had terrible trouble at first with our 84 on this. It was simply a grounding problem with the negative battery cable. Side posts and all. We cleaned, we replaced, we did everything and still had trouble. Sometimes it is still tempermental. We finally rewrapped the negative cable in a weird way and that fixed. Can't explain why. If you haven't fixed it already try messing around with the battery cables and see what happens. :J

BTW - welcome to the CAC!!!

 

[val]

'84 corvette wouldn't start

well guys...thanks for all the helpful info and suggestions. My hubby got so mad that he wasn't able to fix the problem and in despiration he smacked the starter with a hammer! Guess what?! The darn thing started! Seems the started had a dead spot in it. No warning, no letting us a clue now and then...just wouldn't start. We put a new starter on it and she's workin' like a charm! HAPPY DAYS!!! Thanks to all!