Gentleman.

I've experienced this lingering issue for the last 6 months, and need to know wtf is going on.

Basically, my car is a 305 TBI bone stock RS 5-speed, that doesn't start sometimes after I park. I will turn it over, and the car will not fire. There is no clicking or attempt for it to fire. Just dead completely.

Bare in mind, this car requires me to push the clutch pedal in completely for it to fire up. I dont know what it is, I can start the car in neutral or in gear, as long as the car clutch pedal is down. I tried every possible combination as far as in gear, neutral, parking break engaged, disengaged and no dice.

So I wait for 10 minutes, come back, push the clutch down, and the SOB fires right up. This is not right, and I dont know what to do. I cant play the odds of when my car is gonna decide to fire up, and when its gonna play dead.

Is it possible my battery cables are lose? I doubt it though, but it was suggested to me. This is not a dead or dying battery issue. The car stereo and lights work. I am dealing with a car that has mood swings, and I need some diagnosis on this matter.

Thanks guys, Eric :yourock:

 

Probably a heat-soaked starter solenoid.

Remote possibility is the clutch starter safety switch. It should engage somewhere in the clutch pedal travel b/4 completely to the floor.

Nah, it's the solenoid.

 

I had the same problem with my 91 Z28, but my car is an auto. Turn the key, and nothing. Come back 20 min later, vroom vroom. I come to discover if the steering wheel is tilted up(which is the case when I first get in to start it)it will not start, but if I put it down sometimes it will. Or If I tilt it up and down while turning the key, it seems to help. I have went through several starters and batteries,so I can rule it out. I believe its the ignition switch, or something else in the colum. I have heard people say that there is a accuatting(spelling?) rod that runs from the ignition switch down to a button somewhere that accually engades the starter. Well, I hope someone else can shed somelight on this. Thanks.

 

When the engine fails to crank, what happens to the temperature gauge and warning indicator lamps?

Yes, there is an actuating rod that connects the ignition lock cylinder (on the upper column) to the switch (mounted at the base of the column). If the linkages are worn or switch is maladjusted, tilting the column to the lowest position will tend to help take up the slack and actuate the switch fully.

But don't get off on that tangent just yet. Check the simple things first, like the power connections and starter solenoid (and starter motor) first.

 

Time for a new starter IMO. I went through this and did every single thing else besides the starter just to see and because I didn't want to go replacing it right away. 1 guess at what solved it. Put a shield this time.

 

I know its not the same thing but....sometimes mine turns all the way foward but it doesnt turn anything on..well come to find out it was that little black security thing in the key..its so worn that it has to be pushed in hard while turning it foward and then it starts

 

I think that might be the problem haha. Mines worn on my key as well. The thing fires right up. Theres no struggle. Weird.

 

First off to awnser Vader, when you turn the key to the start position, the temp gauge pegs, and all warning lights are on, until you turn the key off, or release it from the start position. As I have said, I have tried 3 new starters,all the same. I have checked all connections. I'm going to blame it on Gremlins

 

 

pretty sure its your VATS system that is the chip in the key that is actually just a resistor. When it doesnt work the car acts exactly like you said, nothing happens, no click, nothing. After awhile the lock cyl and key wear down and contact isnt made.

once it doesnt start youl have to wait like 5 mins before it will let you try again. Shortcut way to getting it to work is by moistening the contacts, i.e. wet the little chip. Try using the old combat radioman's trick of licking the contacts (chip) other than that it might mean a new key and lock cyl