BlueThunder2

iTrader: (3)

Does the security light stay on while the key is on? Or, does it come on for a few seconds and then go out? If it comes on and stays on, then it is the VATS. If it doesn't, then it must be the clutch switch or starter. It takes 15 minutes to pull the starter, then take it to a parts store and have it checked. Starters are extremely easy to remove and reinstall on these cars.

Blackfly

iTrader: (13)

the security light goes out after a bit.

No one carries the neutral safety switch except Hi/Lo. $6

It looks simple to replace but it also looks like a bitch to get at. Anyone swap out this part yet?

If it doesn't fix the issue I'll consider pulling the starter... Something, I'm sure will be a bitch as the car is sitting on sagging sportlines and I'm not necessarily skinny.

Damn beer and football creeped up on me! Lol!:chu g:

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

I've had the clutch switch fail on both of the 3rd gens ive owned over the years and it did exactly the same thing as you describe. As far as I know it's the exact same switch used in the 4th gen cars. I haven't had the switch fail in my 02 SS, but it doesnt get drove much. So the clutch switches are prone to fail from time to time. It's easy to check if the switch is bad, just make a short jumper out of #12 wire with spade connectors on each end. Disconnect the factory connector from the clutch switch and push the jumper connectors into the factory connector this will bypass the switch. Be sure the car is in neutral before you try to start it when the switch is bypassed. If the car starts you need a new clutch switch. You can also remove the clutch switch and put a digital multimeter on the connections and check for continuity when the switch is pushed in to test the switch. If you dont get good continuity the contacts in the switch are toast and you need a new clutch switch. If you use the bypass jumper method I don't recommend leaving the jumper in to get by till you get a new switch for obvious safety reasons - the car WILL start when in gear and the #12 wire could possibly get hot with prolonged use and cause a fire. It will work fine for the test but I wouldn't try to use it for a patch to get by.

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

Changing the switch isn't all that bad if you don't mind being upside down on your head in a floorboard that's half the size you need to fit into. Then you have to work ur hands into a cluttered space to work all while holding a flashlight in your teeth so you can see. No biggy, a few four letter words and you'll be done in no time.

Blackfly

iTrader: (13)

I actually thought about trying to bypass to test. it's not my DD so I have some time.

lol!

brian_rs/ss

yeah and if that doesn't work call a priest. gremlins can be stubborn.

whitehooptie

iTrader: (2)

If you feel brave, get under the car by the starter and with the car on, jump the main positive wire to where the purple wire goes. 12v is there and you could use a pair of old pliers.

whitehooptie

iTrader: (2)

Use these. They're for a 99+ And I've got plenty more schematics if you need them.

Pwebbz28

iTrader: (31)

swap a fan relay into the starter relay spot see if it starts.

JetBlack98Z

iTrader: (9)

Black Fly, Does us a favor and record a video of what its doing. Will give us a better idea of suggestions for you.

Blackfly

iTrader: (13)

Will do.

Good idea- will try this

k.

I will try this tonight. If I don't reply by tomorrow... well that means I'm dead. lol!

So I was able to swap out the Neutral Starter safety switch. It was very simple to change out- no tools required and no knuckles were busted during the surgery but there were a few cuss-words.

I went to start it (thinking my problems were over) NOPE. same result. At least I have a new switch and I feel more like a mechanic (hahaha)

I think, tonight before I kill myself jumping the car, I'm going to do a ritual and rub used car oil under each eye (like a football player) and play Zen music, so if I do go- at least when the paramedics arrive I will look like I knew what the Fuc# I was doing.

5w20

iTrader: (21)

Jump the starter relay, its under the hood so that's the easiest.

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

Well that sucks that it wasn't the clutch switch. Swap the relays like stated above to test the relay. It's easy and free. I would also recommend if your going to do a starter test that you jumper at the relay, it's a lot easier to get to than the starter (don't forget to put it in neutral before doing these tests). If you get no start u prob have a starter prob. If you decide to try to jump the terminals at the starter (be sure your in neutral) be aware that hot sparks and molten metal may shower you and your eyes, any tool you use to jump the terminals will potentially be destroyed, you risk destroying the threads that hold the wires on making it difficult to remove the starter and you risk welding said tool from the positive terminal (which is direct from the battery) to any thing that tool touches that is metal causing a massive short, instantly turning said tool red hot and seconds later the insulation on the battery cable will be on fire, you won't be able to remove the tool by hand do to the temperature if this happens. Best case senerio is you can get the tool off with minimal fire damage and or burns, worse case your car burns or your battery explodes and u don't want to be under it or around it when that happens. I don't recommend jumping the terminals at the starter, we've all done it, but that doesn't mean it was a great idea. It usually works with no prob, just be aware the potential for catastraphy is real and very possible. If u been a shade tree mechanic u prob already know all this so just ignore the safety talk. Just hate to see someone get hurt or a car worse off cuz they just didn't know.

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

If the purple wire stated here is a lead to the starter solenoid for a technician to use a starter pushbutton to role over the motor this is a easier and better alternative to jumping at the relay to engage the starter. I Haven't looked at the schematic, too know for sure that it's correct. I'd double check the schematic to verify if it checks out - it's prob correct but I just don't know personally. If it does use Topspeeds recommendation for testing starter.

Blackfly

iTrader: (13)

**** man! I did'nt think it was going to be that bad! Maybe ill pass on jumping the starter. With my luck... yea, that would happen.

Im actually a YouTube Mechanic. (LOL!) So, im worse than a shade tree mechanic.

Maybe I'll graduate to shade tree level after this install. LMAO

whitehooptie

iTrader: (2)

The schematics come from alldatapro.com . I think they're safe enough for use. I did forget about the experience thing. If you're unsure about jumping the starter terminal, then don't.

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

This is just for jumping at the terminals at the starter. Jumperimg it at the relay (at the correct spot) or using the purp test lead if it checks out is the way to go. I'll be keeping the purple wire in mind for my own use once I have time to look at the schematic. If your not sure about Jumperimg or where to jumper just disconnect the battery and pull the starter and take it to the parts store to be tested to be safe.

msydow

Am i the only one who caught this?????? every thread i read the OP answers his own questions. WTF? do you have a volt meter and a buddy?

SuperSam

iTrader: (7)

push start it....if it turns on...it's the starter....

Mguncowboy

iTrader: (2)

Even a 12v test light would be your friend at this point.