Okay, I have an 89 Trans am, 305. It will not turn over at all, it just clicks once. All lights work and the fuses are all fine. I checked the tps sensor with a multimeter while key was turned forward and got nothing. Haven't had the time to check anything else. Fuel pump doesn't turn on when key is turned forward, and there isn't pressure in the line. Service engine light is on but wont give any codes but the typical 12 back. I unplugged the ECM and same thing, nothing, plugged it back in. Could a fusable line (If there are any) be fried or is the ECM shot? I was welding on this car, unplugged the battery, but maybe the charge still shorted something? Give me some ideas on how to check for possible vats or ECM issue and I'll get back with you guys after my power-lifting competition tomorrow.

 

bump

 

My money is on the starter. If the wiring checks fine and the battery is good, and you haven't replaced the starter yet I'd get it checked out. You may have two situations if the fuel pump is not priming when you turn the key. Good luck.

 

where is the click happening? the starter solenoid clicks? or u hear it behind the steering column, inside the car?
have someone turn key and use a large screwdriver to close the circuit and run the starter. if it does not turn means starter is dead; if it turns, I'd think it's the vats in the key. measure with a good ohmmeter the resistor value in key , buy resistor with same value, disconnect yellow thin wires behind steering column and put the resistor in. procedure is here on the site somewhere
put shifter in neutral and try to start. if it starts shifter switch is bad in the park position.
good luck!

 

Thanks guys! Fuel pump was a separate problem, and is now fixed. I haven't gotten around to checking any of your suggestions however. But I will either tomorrow or the next day.I will try the starter, then move on to a possible vats issue. Thanks for all the advice and if you guys have any more, I could really use it.

 

I have an intermittent VATS problem on my '91 Formula. Every so often when I turn the key the I get nothing. No click, just nothing. The security light stays on when this happens. I take the key out of the ignition, wait three minutes, and then try again and it starts right up. I bypassed the VATS with a resistor and it still does it periodically which leads me to believe I have an ECM problem. I can live with it the way it is until it doesn't start at all. Point is - if you had a VATS problem, you wouldn't or shouldn't get anything any result other than the security light looking at you. Again, this is my experience with VATS. I'm sure others have their own.

 

Not an ECM problem. The ECM has nothing to do with the starter cut out relay.

RBob.

 

So I crossed the starter solenoid relay and the car turned over just fine. I just want to confirm that this is the solenoid instead of something in the ignition relay before I pull it all apart. Thanks guys