Car won't start
 

Our 98 camaro ss won't start.
The battery has been dead all winter and the keys were left in the ignition(in the on position i believe) on accident for less than 24 hours.. don't ask
The battery won't hold a charge
When we try to start it makes a constant clicking when the key is turned..
What could it be???

bump. i need help

If the battery won't hold a charge it may be time for a new battery.

The VATS could be malfunctioning. Mine wouldn't start once. I did a search and found several people who said that's what it was. Try putting the car in gear and starting it. That's what finally worked for me. Could have only been a coincidence, tho. My bother suggested tapping on the starter with a hammer. If it all of the sudden fires up it that could be the problem. I'm a newbie, tho, don't trust me too much.

Yeah, I'm thinking it is the battery, the light dims every time we try to start it.
Could it have anything to do with the ignition because it was left in the AC or on position even though nothing happened because the battery was dead?

I just went through a dead battery. The clicking you are hearing is the starter trying to engage but can't because the battery is shot. New battery will fix your problem, 99% guaranteed.

If the battery won't hold a charge you're going to need to replace it anyway. I'd start with that. Here's a link talking about the VATS problem: https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=874571&highlight=car+won't+start
Post #4. I'd check that next, 'cause it doesn't cost anything. If you're still having problems, tap the starter with a hammer. If it fires right up after tapping, replace it.

Take the battery to Auto Zone or a parts store and get a"load test" done, they don't charge you hoping that if you need a battery you'll buy from them.

Ok cool. I'm going to get a battery tomorrow. If it doesn't work i'll check the VATS problem.
Thanks guys

If it's a VATS problem, the Security light will light up and stay on for a minute, preventing you from starting the car. If you want to test whether it's the security system causing the problem, you can simply test the resistance on your key's "chip" (or resistor) and then wire in a resistor of the same resistance as the chip in the key. There are two wires under the steering column that run from the ignition cylinder as part of the VATS system. You simply tap into those and tie in the appropriate resistors. It bypasses the need for you to use a key with the appropriate chip in it.

Have you tried rocking the car or rollling in forward a few inches? Sometimes what happens is the starter gears line up in such as way that they don't engage the flywheel properly...it will make a tick noise then stop. So the idea behind tapping the starter is to solve this problem (solenoid). But trying moving the car then popping the clutch to move the flywheel a bit. good luck