Car won't start.
 

I've already done a search and couldn't find anything related to my problem so I need ya'lls help. My 99 Z28 started having starting problems last week. It started off as an intermittent start problem but now it's doing it all the time. When I turn the ignition switch over to start the car nothing happens, If I wait 10 or 15 minutes the car will start. The transmission is in park, the voltage comes up but the starter does not engage. I replaced the battery and it started the first time and then nothing. I think it's the ignition switch or the lock cylinder but I want to make sure what it is before I go changing out anymore parts. Any ideas on how to diagnos this? Sorry this is so long and TIA.

Does the car crank over every the time and not fire or when you turn the key to start nothing happens?

No it doesn't crank at all, it's almost like the starter isn't there which is why I think it's in the ignition/lock cylinder. I also had the "security" light come on for a couple of seconds then go off.

Check your key, if you have another key try it. I had a similar problem once and it was my key.

There is only a couple of main things it can be.

1. Your resistor on your key is worn and not making good contact. Easiest way to check this other than another key is your security light. I'm not exactly sure what it is supposed to do when it is not working but I just tested my car and when I put the key in and just turn the ignition to on the light shuts off after about 1-15 seconds. If yours stays on then it could be this.

2. I would jump the starter with some jumper cables and make sure it is still good for sure. If you have a manual push start it. If it starts its not the key.

3. If its not the key and its not the starter then it is the ignition switch on top of the steering column that the lock cylinder moves with the little rod.

I was looking at the key earlier this afternoon, it looks pretty worn but I don't have another one, I bought the car used and he only had the 1 key.

Might want to look at getting another key, AFAIK it's a dealer only item, so it's likely to be a few $$, but then you have a spare at least, you could also try to clean the resistor in the key, use some alcohol and a Q tip and rub the resistor to clean it (if you have some electric contact cleaner you can try that)

the dealer charges about 40-50 bucks for a new key

I called my local dealership, they want $35.00 to cut a new key. They said they have a scanner which can read the key, if the scanner can read the key then the key is good and they can cut me a new one. If the key will not read I will have to change out the lock cylinder, they quoted me $400.00 in labor alone, if it comes down to that i'll be changing out the lock cylinder myself.

All that is on the key is a resistor. There are two things you can do to save your self the money of a new lock cylinder. You can put a meter on the key and check the resistance, it won't be exact for sure but it should be close to one of the like 10 or so different specs and the dealer (If they have a brain and want to help) Should be able to set you up. Or do a search for the different resistanct codes and go down to your local electronics shop or Radio Shack if you have to and just splice the resistor in the wire under the dash, Usually orange I think. Then you will be bypassing your VATS. ONly problem with that is it will be alot easier to steal your car for a common thief. But if you have a good alarm or theft is not really a concern then bypass it. Doing a google for bypass vats probably will get you all the info you need.