Greetingz,

I have an '87 Trans am GTA. Car was running alright except for excessive vibration from long neck headers vibrating against frame. I was wondering if this was causing the knock sensor to go off so I decided to disconnect the ESC module and see what would happen. I did, and when I turned the key it had a split second of trying to turn-over then just went dead. Now turning the key does nothing. It still zeros the gauges and I still have power to everything but wont even try to engage starter or anything. Any ideas? I also had moved some wires that went to the fuel pump relay harnes that looked kinda bad - maybe a short there? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

F-Messenger

 

A fusible link may have been blown, near the battery. Check for power at the relays & the large lug on the starter with a volt meter or test light.

Tim

 

Update:
I tested all my fusable links to make sure they had voltage on both side of link for each one. I then investigated the purple wire going to the starter. I noted it had "0" voltage and imagined that the when you turn the key it drops 12 volts on it to start starter. So I tested my theory by tapping into the purple wire and then touching it to the 12-volt post of battery (with the key turned to on of course) and BOOM it cranked over without a hitch! So now I must investigate why when I turn the key it doesnt drop 12 volts onto the purple wire. Any ideas? Thanks!

F-Messenger

 

With an auto - the power from the ign switch start circuit goes through the PRNDL switch & then to the starter. With a manual trans, the power from the ign switch start circuit goes through the clutch start switch & then to the starter. If you have an auto trans, try starting it in N.

Tim

 

Sounds like you fried something with static. I'm not sure how sensitive the vats system is. Did you just blow a fuse for the ecm?

 

An '87 should not have VATS & the ECM fuse is not required for the starter to crank the engine over.

Tim

 

Final Update:

The car is fixed. I replaced the Park Neutral safety switch (I believe thats the name) in my car (attaches to shifter base - automatic) and the car starts up on a dime, perfect. Thanks to all of you who helped!

F-Messenger

 

I had that same problem, but i didn't realize it was the Park neutral whatever. I instead ran two wires to the starter to a little switch in the car, so that I just started it with a button, funny thing is, after my sister wrecked that car the next car I bought starts with a switch becaue of the same problem!