What could be the problem?

[1984 Scooter]

I ROLL THE DICE EACH TIME I TRY TO START MY '84 VETTE. SOMETIMES (WITHOUT WARNING) I TURN THE KEY TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENS. CLUSTER LIGHTS UP, ELECTRICAL WORKS BUT NO ACTION ON KEY TURN AT ALL. ANY IDEAS?:bang

 

[ecss]

I ROLL THE DICE EACH TIME I TRY TO START MY '84 VETTE. SOMETIMES (WITHOUT WARNING) I TURN THE KEY TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENS. CLUSTER LIGHTS UP, ELECTRICAL WORKS BUT NO ACTION ON KEY TURN AT ALL. ANY IDEAS?:bang

You need to remove the DIC and behind it is the Theft Deterrent relay. This relay energizes if the alarm goes off.

This breaks the 12 volt path to the starter solenoid Purple wire.

Once you remove the DIC you can identify the relay by looking at the color of the wires at the relay socket.
Should see a relay with the following colored wires.

Pin A Purple wire goes to the starter solenoid
Pin B Dark Green wire and goes to the Theft Deterrent module
Pin C Dark Green/White wire 12 volts for control side of relay
Pin D Dark Green/White wire 12 volts for load side of relay

Use a volt meter and measure the voltage at the Dark Green/White wire. When you turn and hold the
ignition switch to start you should measure 12 volts. If no 12 volts could be the ignition switch contacts
are bad or the neutral safety switch contacts are bad. If you have an automatic trans try the same
test but put the transmission in neutral. If you have a manual trans the clutch safety switch could be bad.

If you do measure 12 volts. Measure the Purple wire while you turn and hold the ignition switch to start. You should measure 12 volts. If no 12 volts on the Purple wire, remove the Anti Theft Fuse which is shown in the diagram below. If the starter now cranks the Theft Deterrent Module is bad. You need a new module or just leave the fuse out which disables the factory alarm system. If still no crank replace the relay.

If you have 12 volts on the Purple wire you should hear the starter solenoid at least click.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and clean all the wire lugs at the starter motor and solenoid.

 

[gmhowe]

Had the same thing happen on my 96 CE, had to replace the lock key cylinder on the steering column and all better.
Gordon

 

[gmhowe]

not sure it yours is an automatic or manual, but on my 85 with a 4+3 manual it could be the switch behind the clutch pedal that must be depressed with starting my manual 85.
Gordon

 

[smithdb1960]

My 84 had the starter relay go bad a couple of times.


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