I have a 1991 Camaro RS. I've been having problems getting it to start for a few years now, but as of late it's been getting worse. When I turn the key all I get is a click noise. I can usually get it started after a few trys. Or I usually have to mess with the security switches underneath the dash.
I have always suspected that it was the factory installed security system, but my husband thought it was the starter. We changed the starter twice and nothing has changed.

Has this ever happened to any of you? I would greatly appreciate any help you can give.

 

might want to find out where the wires to that switch go to, I've never herd of such a switch from the factory, but maybe there is, I doubt it though. It could be possible that someone installed the starter wrong. There is a gear that pops out powered by a solenoid. Know that most aftermarket starters come with some shims (flat metal spacers) that are used if the starter bolts up a bit to close to the block. This will cause that gear to just hit the side of your flywheel and never lock up with the teeth of the flywheel like it is sopossed to. I'm not sure if the starter will spin if the gear doesnt completly come out of the starter. I wish that I tested that while I was changing my starter, maybe someone else here could answer that. Anyway, you have two leads to go on, its time to get greasy.

 

I have/had that stupid factory installed thing. Even with the vats you still have to hit the button on the remote to start it right? I have a 91 as well. I am glad to get rid of that damn thing.

I still haven't got a good look at the box so I can't tell you much yet about how it is wired in there. I does intercept the ignition signal at some point. However, if the starter clicks then it is getting an ignition signal rulling out the factory system and vats. It is a definate click right? Issues with vats have the exact same symptoms.

Just curious does it do this more when it is hot?
How is the power to the starter?
Could be a flaky ignition module.

 

Oh and by the way, the wires for that swith under there go through the fire wall and come out right by the brake master cylinder. There are some other wires that come through there as well. The wire on my switch had broken off so I'm not even sure what it was there for.

 

I don't have a remote. You're not supposed to have to do anything in order to start it. I always thought the switch underneath was a kill swith to be used when you wanted to. When I first got the car I never had any problems for about the first 3 years. I just turned the key and it started.

It's hard to describe the noise, so I just call it a click.

Now that you mention about it doing it more when it's hot (I don't know if you mean the car itself or the temperature outside), it has been acting up more this summer and it's been a horribly hot summer.

I have a feeling that it's something stupid that can be easily fixed, but the problem is finding out exactly what it is.

 

Mine has a remote for the doors and a starter disable.

Well 2 things come to mind.

By hot I mean the engine. If that is the case then you could have a cylinoid suffering from heat soak. This is a common problem with our cars. The best remedy to remote mount the cylinoid.

The other thing is the VATS system is preventing you from starting the car. Either the wire contacts are flaky in the key cylinder or the tabs on the key are worn down and don't always fully make contact. You will either need to defeat the Vats system or buy another key.