Help! This one has me totally confused

[rotoman]

Hi guys, I need to run this by you and see if you have ever heard of it. I have a 90 Convertible, manual trans.

I went to the ATM the other day. Couldn't reach the buttons so I got out and shut the car off. When I hopped back in it wouldn't start. Funny thing is, when I turned the key the dash and console lit up like a Christmas tree. Every light on the dash, console and courtesy lamps came on. I was seeing lights in there that I didn't even know were there but it wouldn't turn over. I tried and tried but nothing. I
Pulled the battery and set it on a slow charge for 5 hours, put it back in and the same thing.
So when getting it towed home I tried to use compression to start it but no go.

I have never heard of this in any car. Headlights and all other lights work. The only thing that is kind of strange is the heater blower will come on for a few seconds and then go off.

I'm open to any suggestions Thanks

 

[93Rubie]

First off, make sure your battery is actually good. Have it tested and make sure voltage is above 12V.

It sounds like the battery MIGHT be ok. IF it is, then you need to diagnosis this as a no crank.

Has power and everything but no starter engagement.

You have a stick, is the safety switch getting actuated?

Is the igntion swtich sending power to the starting circuit?

Problem areas could be FUSES, ignition switch, clutch start switch, starter relay, starter motor, CCM (at least on my 93, it provides ground for stater relay, control side), or wiring, contacts, and grounds.

Three fuses in a 93 starter circuit (bet your 90 is similar) two 60A ignition fuses, and a 5A Crank P/N Clutch Fuse.

I would start with battery and fuses. Make sure they are 100%.

 

[gmjunkie]

Three fuses in a 93 starter circuit (bet your 90 is similar) two 60A ignition fuses, and a 5A Crank P/N Clutch Fuse.

No, his is going to have a sh*t pot full of fusible links from 1-2 B+ lugs right behind the battery in front of the A pillar!


Just a quick question for the OP though, Is the security light flashing or on solid when you turn the key on??

Is there any armoral or other slime on the key pellet or in the ignition tumbler??
The Vats system hates dirty keys or tumbler contacts~!

 

[John Robinson]

I would guess the clutch dead man switch has slipped out of adjustment. The plastic tabs that hold the switch in place become brittle and break. So when you push the clutch the switch moves backward in the bracket and the plunger does not complete the circuit for starting. You might take the wire connector off the switch and jump the connector with a paper clip. Be sure to set the emergency brake and double check that the trans is in neutral. If the car starts you have isolated the problem. I know from experience when those switches no longer stay put you can not make them it is time for a new switch.

 

[93Rubie]

No, his is going to have a sh*t pot full of fusible links from 1-2 B+ lugs right behind the battery in front of the A pillar!


Just a quick question for the OP though, Is the security light flashing or on solid when you turn the key on??

Is there any armoral or other slime on the key pellet or in the ignition tumbler??
The Vats system hates dirty keys or tumbler contacts~!

That sounds like no fun. I don't like fusible links. Its hard to get the smoke back in once its out.

 

[LLC5]

Hi guys, I need to run this by you and see if you have ever heard of it. I have a 90 Convertible, manual trans.

I went to the ATM the other day. Couldn't reach the buttons so I got out and shut the car off. When I hopped back in it wouldn't start. Funny thing is, when I turned the key the dash and console lit up like a Christmas tree. Every light on the dash, console and courtesy lamps came on. I was seeing lights in there that I didn't even know were there but it wouldn't turn over. I tried and tried but nothing. I
Pulled the battery and set it on a slow charge for 5 hours, put it back in and the same thing.
So when getting it towed home I tried to use compression to start it but no go.

I have never heard of this in any car. Headlights and all other lights work. The only thing that is kind of strange is the heater blower will come on for a few seconds and then go off.

I'm open to any suggestions Thanks

I would start with the basics by properly load testing the battery with a carbon pile load tester and NOT a theoretical electronic hand held unit. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight on the engne and battery, making sure to twist/pull the cables after tightening the bolts to makes sure they don't move. Good luck with it.

 

[rotoman]

wow

Thanks guys. Looks like my weekend is going to be a busy one. I'll ley you know what I find out

 

[tonybabb]

Do you have a spare key?

Thanks guys. Looks like my weekend is going to be a busy one. I'll ley you know what I find out

I had similar problems, in my case it was intermittent. It turned out that the pellet in the ignition key was very worn and sometimes didn't make a contact which triggered the VATS system. I bought it new in 89 and always used one key, so I got the other key and used that, haven't had a problem since.

 

[hemivette]

I had similar problems, in my case it was intermittent. It turned out that the pellet in the ignition key was very worn and sometimes didn't make a contact which triggered the VATS system. I bought it new in 89 and always used one key, so I got the other key and used that, haven't had a problem since.

I agree. Does your security light stay on steady, or flash, when the key is in the on position? If it stays on steady, then its the VATS.