Code 36 and Starter Problems

[Baldie88]

Took my 88 to a local car show Saturday night along with some club members. When I left the check engine light came on. Stopped and shut it off for a minute and then restarted and the light stayed on. Figured it was running fine and the local Vette shop owner was going to be at the show so I drove about 30 minutes to the show. After sitting for about 5-10 minutes I tried to start it and it was dead. All electric and lights were working, must seemed like nothing to the starter. Battery is only 1 month old. Thought it might be the VATS so I left the key in it about 5 minute, tried it again and still nothing. ad After about 20 minutes I went to get my hat, thought what the heck I'll see what happens and the darn thing starts right up! :crazy Even better, no check engine light. So I drove it home, no light came on. Checked the codes today and got a 36. I wouldn't think the MAF burnoff relay would cause the no start problem but since there are no dumb questions, I'm asking. Started and drove it around several time today and started every time. But now I don't trust the darn thing. Would the heat have affected the starter? I've run it longer and harder with no problems previously. Any suggestions?

Baldie88

 

[TurboLuigi]

Did you ever get an answer to this? I just had a similar situation though I have yet to check for an engine code.

Luigi
:cool

 

[Magmotor]

Check the 'Jump Start Junction Block' located underneath the battery < see pic > for loose wires, broken block connector etc: This is where 8 different systems along with the starter motor on the car gets it's juice from. Can cause all kinds of havoc....

WARNING: Do not reach down and grab this junction block without disconnecting the + cable on the battery first..!!! You might not be around to tell us the outcome.

The MAF and associated parts would not cause a 'no start' condition if they were to fail. The 'Vats' would cause a complete 'dead car', no lights, no starter no nothing. If all else fails, everything is pointing to a bad ECM.

just my .02

 

[TurboLuigi]

MagMotor,

Thanks for the Good tips. I've sort of ruled out the VATS at the moment since I have no codes and compared the resistance on my primary key against my backup and they measure the same.

The 'Jump Start Junction Block' will be my main focus. I have had to mess with this before. I had an aftermarket alarm installed a while ago and the jerks who installed it did a poor job on the 2 wires that go to that. I am ready to have it janked out!

It does seem like some sort of alarm lockout rather than a starter issue.

Also thanks for the heads-up on being carefull with that block.

Luigi
:cool

 

[steve1ph]

code 36

now mine is a `90 6speed but i do have the gm service manuals machanical and electrical. fyi i bought them from helminc.com they are the people who do the factory manuals. i gave 100 for mine. anyhow code 36 in my book says " direct ignition system (dis) circuit" missing or extra est signal. sorry scratch that this code is for vin j which is the zr1 lt5 car. im showing no code 36 for my `90 l98 sorry.

 

[RedRagTop]

Thought it was code 34 for the MAf. If you have not changed them you may as well anyway,, easy job and only about $40US for 2 new relays.