My vette just died last night

[JohnnyC]

While driving home (of course at 1am on saturday night) I got whithin a block of my apt and my vette just died. There was popping and banging from the exhaust as I tried to accerate. I initially thought i was out of gas, but I had 3 bars left. I walked home and got up VERY early today walked to the gas station, pretty close, filled up with 2-3 gallons and still nothing. There are a few more bars now. But still does not start.

The symptoms:

- The radio, air, etc work fine.
- I can turn the key and the starter goes, but never turns over.
- It seemed close a few times, but then it just rumbled, bounced and acted very unpleasant.
- I can hear something "moan" as I turn the key on and off. Fuel pump?
- The word "SYS" flashed a few times at the beginning, where the mileage/range would be next to the gas gauge.

Now, this is in no way a small coincidence that I had it at the dealership THIS WEEK and got it back friday???? I KNOW those f_ckers did something.

Can anyone help here? Sorry I can't describe it better. Its like its out of gas, but i put in a few gallons, and its on level grade. So i dont understand. :confused

John

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I have no C4 experience...

How was your vette running after you picked it up from the dealership...anything to give you any indications or did it just up and die on you a block from home?
The only thing I can think of is if you were driving in rain and an opti something or other got wet?

Wish I could be more help, but someone with more experience will come along soon and be able to help you diagnose your problem.
Heidi

 

[MoeJr]

2 things come to mind. 1- It is possible your alternator stopped working and you were running on the battery till there just wasn't enough juice to keep all the electronic components running or your fuel pump is dying and not supplying enough fuel to keep the car running. Possible the Opti-Spark died if so equipped. Keep us posted.

 

[Mad-Mic]

sounds like fuel pump to me. not too common in these things. mine died at 36k in miles

 

[ErnieN85]

Check for water in the gas. been raining a lot. if the drain is or was plugged and the cap doesn't fit tight........common problem

 

[rrubel]

I had a similar issue with another make of car - accelerated, got a popping noise, engine died, would turn over and sound like it wanted to start, but never would. On that car, the timing belt had slipped one tooth. Not sure how easily that can happen with a timing chain, but might be worth a check.
[RICHR]

 

[WhalePirot]

"I can turn the key and the starter goes, but never turns over"

What does this mean? Did the starter spin the engine normally? This means the cranking (battery and connections) are fine. Strong headlighting while cranking will affirm this.

Did the engine just fail to start? If so, it's likely fuel. The fuel quantity gauges are not all that accurate, especially when low. Filling up some, then it may be the fuel pump, but it will take some cranking to refill the system with gasoline to the injectors.

Do you get any gas smell at the tail while trying to start it? If so, UR getting fuel but it's not lighting-->>ignition issue.

The moaniing sound is the car crying about having the rookies at the dealership touch her.

Seriously, it may be the fuel pump gasping at air and fuel, trying to get fuel. You can figure it is working, if that moaning comes from the tank area. Open the filler cap and listen, while someone turns on the key. It is not to hard to change; can be done through the filler opening and costs under a c-note, I believe..

I distrust my dash so much, that I refill at 1/2 tank.

Mike

 

[Daryllawman]

Thats what mine sounded like.......It ended up being a bad fuel pump and sending unit. The sending unit was a dealer Item at $630.00, tow bill $ 45.00, Labor $65.00......That was over a year ago.....no trouble since.......good luck....

 

[JohnnyC]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It turned out to be the Opti-spark. Total cost was ~$900.... but thanks to my warrantly, i only had to pay $50 (the deductible).

Its running sweet now.
John