Good afternoon,

I have a 1991 Firebird 5.0 TBI that recently had an issue with not starting until the battery has been disconnected for 5~10 minutes. After the + battery connector has been reapplied car will start immediately with the key, if allowed to sit not running for awhile, the problem will reoccur within a few minutes to an hour.

This does not seem like a VATS issue.

• I have fuel, at the correct pressure, at the injectors.
• I have fire at the coil and all plugs.
• No security light
• Starter turns the engine over.

What it seems like is that the engine is being grounded out and not allowed to run?

Recent work done:

1. Installed a NEW, not manufactured distributor from NAPA. This has been installed for about a month prior to the no start issue, and was installed due to burning up 2 ignition modules back to back from Autozone. Found a broken wire that was grounding out during the distro replacement, it was the white tach wire, also explained why tach would sometimes go crazy while driving. I have unplugged, checked and cleaned all connectors from the ignition module to the harness and to the coil. Checking voltage to the pink wire to the coil is about 12v with the key on when issue is happening.
2. Closer to when the issue started happening, the center console was removed for new carpet and a new ratchet for the brake was installed, as brake would not set. New carpet was installed and center console was re-installed. Is there anything in the center console that would ground out the engine and prevent it from starting? I have tried starting the car in both Park and Neutral (Automatic), not sure if the switch in the shifter could cause this? If so is there a way bypass to test?
3. Starter was replaced about he same time as the issue, old starter gear wouldn't always engage the flywheel.

Thank you,
R7