no power!

[donna]

I am a new member...hello everyone. My problem is that my vette starts once or twice and then...nothing. I get radio and power to the auto choke switch, but nothing else. Almost acts like dead battery, but when it starts, it starts strong. I was going to change out the voltage regulator...but I can't find it.
Can anyone help? Thanks, Donna

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Welcome Donna!

Welcome to Corvette Action Center.
Someone will be along shortly to assist you with your vette problem.
Heidi

 

[JonM]

As Capt. Kirk would say....we need more Power Scotty...Sounds to me like (1) dirty battery terminals, (2) a starter solenoid or starter (3) wires on the starter solenoid...they are close to the exaust and can become brittle after exposure to the heat. (4) bad key switch (long shot) Clean the terrminals...see what happens...drop the starter and have it tested with a load on it. Check the wires when you drop the starter.

 

[donna]

My experience with the starter is that I would at least hear a click on a bad connection or a starter/solenoid going bad. With this, I get a good clean strong first start, and even after only 5 seconds and turn off, it acts dead on the next immediate start up. It just started happening 2 days ago, but before that, it had good starts even in the Texas heat and even after long runs. Would that still be a starter/solenoid? D.

 

[donna]

As for the battery, the side cables were a little loose, but I tightened them. I thought for sure that was the culprit, especially when it started right up....I turned it off....next try, no power. It is actually a new battery with good cables. So much for easy fixes. D.

 

[Jack]

I was going to change out the voltage regulator...but I can't find it. Can anyone help? Thanks, Donna

Welcome aboard CACC! I believe the voltage regulator on yours is internal (inside alternator)? ... but this don't sound like a vr prob. Also take a close look at battery cable connections ... especially where the short neg ground cable connects to frame. Next look at ignition switch / connections at ig switch.
JACK:gap

 

[wichitacorvette]

same thing happened to mine half way to okc......... it was the starter harness connector..... it was allllllll corroded..... shot some elctrical cleaner.... wire brushed it (batt disconnected fo course lol) and started everytime from then on.......

hope that helps......

Tony

 

[vette-dude]

I agree with out Kansas Constituency that you have corrosion at the solenoid on the starter. You can clean the terminals or replace the solenoid and it should fix the problem. Solenoid are reasonably inexpensive and for the trouble to take off the starter it would br prudent just to rplace it as the insides are most likely corroded also. Just my $.02.

Randy

Excuse my manners, Welcome to the CAC we are glad you are with us.

 

[wichitacorvette]

i meant the connector half way up the firewall... my starter was ok, thankfully didnt need to replace it in OK in 102 degree heat lol. the connectore is a 6 pin i believe and i wrapped it in heat sleeving that not only protects it from heat but also alot of moisture.

oh ya, lol welcome to

 

[vette-dude]

i meant the connector half way up the firewall...

Wichitacorvette,

Sorry forgot about that connector. Yes it could be grilled cheese and corroded. Guess this east coast air has affected my long term memory cells. Sure miss ToTo Land. Say Hi to Dorothy for me.

Randy:Silly

 

[wichitacorvette]

lol ya i met dorothy last week, stole her shoes and pawned em for a procharger ;-) lol

 

[Mike Carter]

Donna,

What are you getting power too? I have a 72 and have had several starting problems, once I had bad terminal connection inside battery, would start and then not start, no power anywhere, replaced battery. Ihad alignment problems with the reverse lock out and the ignition switch, I had a blown fusible link that prevented starting. Also the fusible link and connections to starter. The closest problem I had to what you're having was when the battery was bad internally. just some thoughts.

Mike

 

[c4ever]

I would try this. Meter solonoid conection for 7+volts with ignition on. This was my problem with same senario. No voltage from ign switch to solonoid. Check the dreaded 6 pin connector (which I haven't fixed yet) You can always test starter operation itself by taking a screwdriver and shorting across solonoid and starter connections. I had the identical problem as you and it was the 7+volt to solonoid. For the meantime I routed a hot wire and starter button to the cab so I don't get stranded. one of these days I'll get to it.
just my .02

Carlo

 

[69vettester]

Hi..
Welcome to the CACC...
My similar problem from a while back was solved by just replacing the solenoid switch. Not at all difficult job to do at home or any good mechanic would do it for quick and cheap..My 2 centavos..
Good luck..
Tom

 

[donna]

Thanks for all your replies. Those are good leads. I will try those this weekend. The general consensus seems to be with the wiring and the connector, so that puts me ahead of the game. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.! D.W.

 

[84Vette]

I believe I had/have the same problem. I don't know if i fixed it but it only happened when it was hot out and the car was driven arond for while. I would shut it off and when i went to start it nothing but it was like the key was in acc. mode. It was told it could be the starter or solinoid but i know someone that had the samething happen on his old chevy truck he said he replaced everything from bettery cables to the starter and it still did it. So he got a new battery an viola stopped doing it. Battery said it was good but probable couldn't hold the amps. I changed mine and have not had it happen again.

BJ