LeddySS98

I walk back out 5 min later to write down all of the dash lights that come on as I move the key to on and when i bump it... this time it turns over... surprised the hell out of me! Gave the car and engine area a look over to make sure nothing was in the way of belts or anything, went back turned the key and car started right up and purred like a champ????

Now I just have to figure out what where and why so I dont get stranded again

ls1 1990 VN

You changed keys, it now appears if that's the case & it works then your ignition barrel is at fault....replace it before you get stranded again.

LeddySS98

No,I tried the other set of keys with no change, the car still wouldn't turn over... 5 min later the car started with the original set of keys I had been using all along....

ls1 1990 VN

Reasonable certain it will be your ignition barrel, you need to replace it.

LeddySS98

gremlin came back... car has started and ran fine for like a week... went out to leave my garage today turn the key and I'm back to nothing again = (

FasTimeSS

iTrader: (47)

having this same problem and ive had it for years on and off. ive narrowed it down to the relay or solenoid

xBrandonx

iTrader: (11)

Is the SECURITY light on? If so, there's the problem.

FasTimeSS

iTrader: (47)

its not the sercuity/vats.

HVYMTL

Check the wires in the clamp on your side post terminal. Mine did the same thing, starter wire was not making a good connection. I checked everything, swapped relays, etc for about 45 mins in the rain in the middle of a road, then last ditch effort wiggled the pos side wires at the terminal, cranked right up. Blew my mind but glad it was an easy fix.

FasTimeSS

iTrader: (47)

im thinking that this has something to do with it as well. ^^^

1ltcap

what happens when it's not starting? does it crank? single click? multiple clicks? nothing at all?

FasTimeSS

iTrader: (47)

i normally get the single click

FasTimeSS

iTrader: (47)

cant tell if its the actual solenoid or starter motor clicking

1ltcap

the solenoid is mounted on the starter on gm's. i also believe that your starter is a permanent magnet, thus the old "tap" trick will do nothing more than break the magnet.
if you're getting the single click, you first need to check ALL of your connections. in particular, i've had issues in the past with the positive terminal on the gm sidepost batteries. take it off of the battery, and peel the red cover back. chances are good that you'll find a lot of corrosion in there. this has been the most common thing i find, next to bad starters.
i've rarely found bad grounds on gm's, but strongly recommend you check them anyway. if they're all good, it really sounds like you're looking at a starter.

HVYMTL

If you are getting the single click, like I said--check your positive wires at the side post terminal! Mine were loose and I had the EXACT frustrating symptoms you are having. Got a good tight connection with a couple new terminals ($10) and my problem has been gone.

1ltcap

i like the side terminal idea....but you're right. between corrosion, and them coming loose so easily, they can be a nightmare. especially on setups like cadillacs where they stack multiple terminal ends on the positive side.

HVYMTL

Actually what I did, is the "side post adapters", its like if you cut the post off of a regular top post battery, put a threaded stud in it, and screwed those into my side post terminals on the battery, then converted my -/+ harnesses to top post clamps, and wa-lah! no more issues.

1ltcap

i've used those in the past, and had totally forgotten about them till i just read this.
i used to work doing radio installs for fleets, and we often needed to convert to those.

HVYMTL

Best 10 dollar project I've ever done to this car.