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Topic: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (10/20)
3/12/13 12:45pm

jonneyone
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galion, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1984 base coupe 17,000 miles all original. very low production number.red on red 3853. pro num.

Joined: 5/31/2012
Posts: 413

just a thought. let us know what you come up with. Thumbs Up

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (11/20)
3/12/13 10:16pm

Alohajohn
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Vette(s):
1988 Convertible & 1974 Convertible

Joined: 3/8/2013
Posts: 8

We installed the pressure guage onto the fuel line and the pressure read 50-52 psi...we tried the starter and the car started and ran perfectly for 10 minutes or so until we shut it down. During that time the fuel pressure dropped back to mid to high 40's psi so I'm guessing my fuel pump is Ok

Tried starting again and it just cranked over...nothing more. Checking error codes at that point it showed a #46

My tech still thinks it a worn key cylinder/bad key pellet contact problem so we're going to replace the cylinder next.

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (12/20)
3/13/13 7:38am

Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.

Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2231

If there was a problem with the key, or cylinder/contacts, the engine would not crank at all, much less start and run. Also, the "Security" lamp in the dash would come on steady. This is not going to be your problem.
Since you have confirmed good fuel pressure, the next most likely suspect is the ignition module. A failing module will certainly act the way yours is....starts and runs fine for a while, then won't start again until it completely cools down.

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Joel Adams
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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (13/20)
3/13/13 8:04am

CaledoniaBrian
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1988 Convertable

Joined: 11/3/2011
Posts: 150

I am with Adam's Apple on this one........ Ign. module .

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (14/20)
3/13/13 9:04am

Code 46 means that the VATs signal is not getting to the ECM(Engine Control Module). This would disable the infectors, and create a no-start. So....it appears that your tech might be on the right track after all. Strange that it will crank tho...
What this means is that the key and cylinder are prolly ok, but there is probably a wiring/connector issue between the VATs module and the ECM. Usually, if the VATs module does not see the correct value from the key pellet, it will not allow the engine to crank.

Behind RH Side Of I/P

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (15/20)
3/13/13 9:46am

tbirdsps
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Ridgecrest, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1990 Coupe

Joined: 2/19/2013
Posts: 117

Consider this:

The engine cranks indicating the VATS is OK. If the ignition lock assembly was warn out then maybe it's not able to maintain the electronic connection thus the engine doesn't start or stay running. But, the ignition switch is separate from the ignition key/lock assy. They too can wear and not maintain the electrical connection.

If I was to throw parts at it I'd change the ignition switch first. A $15 part similar to the Ford ignition switch.

The key/lock VATS assy is around $35.

I wouldn't think that the ignition control module is bad due to the symptoms but it could be. The moving parts (key/lock assy and ignition Switch) would wear out first.

Just my 2 cents.

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If it isn't broke, I haven't fixed it yet....

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (16/20)
3/15/13 5:33pm

i had an 2002 vw that did the same thing had it towed back and forth to several dealerships. still under warnity it was the chip in the key that caused the problem. this was a night mare. new key fixed. sold it . however i agree with adams apple. this man knows his stuff. anyways let us know what caused it.

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (17/20)
3/15/13 7:35pm

Alohajohn
Former Member
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Vette(s):
1988 Convertible & 1974 Convertible

Joined: 3/8/2013
Posts: 8

Thanks guys for your continued interest...my tech guy has gone fishing for a week so I have to wait until end of next week before the saga continues. I will advise any or all outcomes.

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (18/20)
3/19/13 6:33am

Alohajohn
Former Member
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Vette(s):
1988 Convertible & 1974 Convertible

Joined: 3/8/2013
Posts: 8

Guys...thanks again for your interest and advice/comments.

We fitted the new key cylinder & wire today and she fired straight up, although it seemed to run a bit rich for a short while so I took her out for a short run to clear the cobwebs of 5 weeks of no activuty other than false starts.

I don't know for sure that the problem is fixed and I'm always going to be suspicious she might let me down but I guess time will tell....if I keep her that long.!!

John.

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (19/20)
3/19/13 9:10am

tbirdsps
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Ridgecrest, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1990 Coupe

Joined: 2/19/2013
Posts: 117

Woohoo! Now you get to enjoy that ride.

If you had the battery disconnected during the 5 weeks the ECM probably just had to relearn it's parameters. When you power down the ECM will not hold the settings, thus why it was rich for a time.

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If it isn't broke, I haven't fixed it yet....

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Re: My '88 cranks, runs for 5 seconds then dies (20/20)
3/19/13 12:34pm

Fingers crossed that that fixes it for good!

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Joel Adams
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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