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Topic: starting issues

in Forum: C4 General Discussion


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starting issues (1/10)
 12/18/19 1:34pm
2overpar
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Vette(s):
1990 Convertible


Joined: 10/30/2019
Posts: 6

Just purchased my 1990 about two months ago and am having starting issues. It is an automatic, I have replaced the alternator with a 140 amp and a new battery. The fuel pump and filter have less than 500 miles on them. It has been with the mechanic - a very good - one for about 10 days on and off. The car will crank over just fine, but not fire up. If I throw a charger on the battery overnight, the next morning it starts immediately. The mechanic thought that a connector from the fuel pump was a little corroded, cleaned it a thought the problem was fixed, but no. The problem seems to occur after driving it. If it is just sitting in the garage, it seems to fire up fine. Anyone with any ideas or past experience that could shed some light? Thanks on advance for any thoughts.

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Re: starting issues (2/10)
 12/19/19 11:42am
aldocar
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Joined: 12/3/2016
Posts: 92

I am sure someone with more knowledge will help but it sounds like your battery is being drained. If you have a tester check what the volts are it should read 12 to 12.5 with engine off. Another area could be the fuel pump relay but your problem sounds more of a short some where.  A good mechanic should be able to solve your problem????



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Re: starting issues (3/10)
 12/28/19 5:59pm
Dave91TM
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Joined: 6/17/2012
Posts: 26

There are few variables you need to confirm and or delete. 

When it doesn't start is it totally dead or, do you get full dash and lights but no starter or fuel pump noise?

The VATS (vehicle anti theft system) will act like this if it detects a key code error or other problem. The Vats will shut down the starter and fuel pump. If you make several short term attempts at turning the key it will detect this as a theft attempt and shut down.

Is the car a standard transmission? If so check the clutch cut out switch.

Check the  security light on the dash. It can provide variable flashing modes that may held define the problem. 

I went through this with our 91. Completely intermittent no start issue. After many tows home, only to have it start fine the next day, and replacing the ignition cylinder, and disconnecting the clutch switch, trying a cheap vats by pass, I found a "new rockies" vats bypass module. It was a PIA to install, but, upside is the car has never since failed to start.

There is a ton of info on line related to starting issues  and resolution may hurt your wallet, but its a corvette and worth it if it puts a smile on your face. Good luck



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Re: starting issues (4/10)
 1/10/20 1:45pm
2overpar
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Vette(s):
1990 Convertible


Joined: 10/30/2019
Posts: 6

Thanks for the response - just got it back from the shop, been there since before Christmas and started every time for them. When it does not start it turns over fine - battery and 140 amp alternator both brand new. I can crank it over several times, so I don't think the VAT is the issue - have two keys and swapping makes no difference. It is an automatic tranny, so that eliminates the clutch. Getting a code scanner today so that if it won't start, may be able to pull some codes - shop said it was not throwing any, but they did not experience the issue of not starting. They thought it might have been the connector from the fuel pump, which they cleaned up and threw some electrical grease on, but problem not solved. Fuel pump and fuel filter both have less that 500 miles on them. Waiting for it to warm up a little before I try her this morning...

Re: starting issues (5/10)
 1/10/20 2:48pm
Roxanna
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El Paso, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1963 1987 1994


Joined: 7/22/2015
Posts: 2

You might also check the fuel pressure.  Should be at least 40 pounds.  I had a similar problem and it was the fuel pump relay.  The pump should run for two seconds when you first turn the key on and then after the oil pressure comes up.

Re: starting issues (6/10)
 1/11/20 11:43am
aldocar
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Joined: 12/3/2016
Posts: 92

I hope you solved your problem but I just looked up some possible reasons in my Haynes book for " engine rotates but does not start".           Fuel tank empty, Battery discharged engine rotates slowly, Battery terminals loose or dirty, leaking fuel injectors, faulty cold start valve, fuel pump, pressure regulator, loose distributor, faulty wires at ignition coil, spark plugs not gapped correctly.  You probably checked all this but I just wanted to give you some info.  Good luck I love these cars but they can be a pain in the ass.   Take care. oh I forgot ignition wiring problem.



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Re: starting issues (7/10)
 1/11/20 1:32pm
2overpar
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Vette(s):
1990 Convertible


Joined: 10/30/2019
Posts: 6

Thank you for taking the time to look up those possible fixes. Most of those were checked prior to going into the shop, and it has been there a couple of weeks. Brought it home on Thursday, and so far so good. Started yesterday and today - and 14 days in a row at the shop. I'll keep my fingers crossed - bought a code scanner and if it fails to start again, maybe it will throw some codes....

Re: starting issues (8/10)
 1/17/20 5:01pm
David Cannistraro
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Stow, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1989 convertable white red interior


Joined: 11/22/2019
Posts: 13

Chevy had a problem with fuel pumps. They worked fine when cold but after running for a while when shut off they wouldn't work till they cooled off for an hour or so.  check after you have run it for a while and shut it off and then won't start if you have fuel coming into the throttle body.

Re: starting issues (9/10)
 1/24/20 5:42pm
StingrayHawaii
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Ellijay, GA - USA

Vette(s):
Currently own: 1996 Collector Edition Coupe, LT4, 6 speed, grey interior 1982 Red on red, 58k orig miles, 1970 Maroon, Lt Saddle, Convertible, 350, 4 speed with Air


Joined: 5/5/2013
Posts: 9

I have had a similar problem and pretty well replaced everything, opti spark, cap, plugs, ICM, fuel pump, fuel regulator and mass air sensor.  Starts fine most times but when it’s been setting a while it turns over fine, fires a few times but does not start.  Has gel battery and fine battery power, turns over strong.  No codes or error lights. Sometimes after a few failed attempts it will start and then runs and starts fine.  Replacing the coil this weekend, thinking it is over 20 years old and might just be weak.  Will let you know if that fixes it. 

Re: starting issues (10/10)
 1/25/20 10:37am
aldocar
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Joined: 12/3/2016
Posts: 92

httphttp://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/facts_launch.htm   Try this link it may help it shows what happens during the start cycle it will blow your mind or it did mine the c4 is more complex than I thought.   Good luck. 



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