M6 Vert won't turn over
 

Hello all, I recently got back into an LT1, it's a 96 and am having a problem. The thing won't even engage the starter when the key is turned. It's an intermittent problem and started last week, seemed the be the clutch switch so that was replaced with a new GM unit and worked fine for a few days, now today it's back to the same old stuff. I put a paper clip in the connector for the switch just to make sure the new one didn't go bad but it still won't engage. The VATS bypass has already been done and no security light on the dash comes on. No SES light either.

SO, anyone ever had the same problem and if so, what did it end up being? I'm leaning towards starter solenoid but nothing even clicks or makes any noise at all from that area the way it currently sits....

ABS INOP and Low Trac lights come on when I turn the key to try to engage the starter as well then go away a few seconds later...car turned over once but was very had to start but then ran fine after 10 seconds of cranking and now wont turn over again....anyone?

is there just a high pitched whine when you try and start it? if thats the case then your starter probably looks like this.

http://a.imageshack.us/img689/9000/img0499n.jpg

no, nothing at all, it makes a "whirring" noise after I turn the key back off, but it always does that when I pull the key out too even when it runs, im guessing thats the air pump or something making that noise.

hit the starter with a hammer a few times then try it again.

Bingo, if it starts, the solenoid for sure. Also you can jab a screw driver between the two posts on the starter solenoid (will be sparks but dont get scared) if the starter starts crankin her up then it is for sure the solenoid.

-Justin

starter issue

Ok, not a starter issue of any sort, both starters I had checked out fine, as did the battery......decided to start last night when I was playing with the clutch safety switch again so I cut the damn thing out and connected the wires together so I never had to worry about it again and it worked.......until this morning, nothing again.....wtf?

also, the car does pop-start so it's not VATS and there is power to all the fuses on both sides and all the wires at the starter are in good shape with no corrosion (car is from NC), checked the computer and all the wires into and out of it look good....i'm at a loss and just want to enjoy whats left of summer now that I have this convertible dammit haha

I had the EXACT same problem last week. How I fixed it I really don't know. I took off the panel that is under the steering wheel and I was moving the wires around to find the wire that goes to the column for the key because that security thing was bypassed. I couldn't find it but then I went to start it and it started right up. When it wouldn't start I put 12v to the starter and it would start. Also I could roll the car and put it into gear and it would start but when you would try to crank it, nothing. Now that it works, I am having problems with the ERG pump. When I turn on the car it whines really loud and then turns off after a while and my engine light comes on. The pump would whine when I was trying to start it too so maybe that is what you are hearing.

yeah, I remember that pump noise was normal but I just wish I could figure out what the hell wire is holding me up here, It's a stupid damn problem and the car runs great when it actually runs.

There is a light green and beige wire running up my steering column that are the only two wires that aren't tightly bound in the group, anyone know what those two wires go to? I'm getting power at my ignition fuse with the key in the on position so I don't think its my ignition switch either

OK, anyone see a problem with just wiring a push button start switch straight to the damn solenoid power post on the starter??? I am sick of looking for intermittent problems and this way I KNOW the wiring down to the solenoid is good haha

Ignition switch ?

could be but it does get power to the ignition fuse with the key on. I have read about removing the column and all that crap to replace it so I would rather just run a pushbutton start and save myself all that time and aggravation pulling the column and stuff.

although I DO have another column from a 96 Camaro laying upstairs in my barn.....hmmm, wonder if the keys are still around

My car's doing the same thing! And it's stuck somewhere to boot! Did you find out what was happening?? Thanks.

I never got to the root of the problem, I replaced the starter, had the battery checked, replaced the neutral safety switch (then bypassed the switch), bypassed VATS, replaced the relay in the dash, everything I could think of aside from tearing the column apart, I got sick of it, went to Autozone and bought a pushbutton switch that can handle 60amps, wired off the positive junction box under the hood to the switch and then from the switch ran a new wire to the starter solenoid. I still need the key on the on position for it to run but now if the key switch doesnt work I just locate my hidden button and press it to fire the car up.

It could be the ignition switch that is on top of the column under the dash. If the contacts are burned up it could be very intermittent.

Thats what I said, Bet thats the problem. Easy to replace

I'm kinda having the same problem. I might end up going that push button route,