I have a 1989 Camaro IROC, 5.7 mostly stock. Never had a problem before. Has a MSD 6a box with the harness, and aftermarket alarm.

Cruised 300 miles the day before not even a hint. Went by a friends house took a short drive and went to leave and the car does not even click. All the gauges cycle and all electrical item work, lights, horn, including the alarm will cycle.

turn the key and nothing except the gauges cycle. the car is not in a good place to get work done.

checked fuses, changed to the spare key (I have those key with the little thing on them) I'm at a loss. Like I said it has never acted up before.

also can anybody recommend a good shop in New Orleans area. I have some things I would like to get done once I get her running again.

thanks,

 

Do a search ; lots of recent starter problem threads.( is a electrical problem , check in the electronics section )

1st step is to hot wire the starter and confirm it actually works

If it does then you have a problem somewhere with the control wiring between Ign switch and the starter

Need to check for voltage at all points on that circuit when key in START position

See
http://92b4crs.tripod.com/86wiring/dia-pics/30-2.jpg

 

thanks for the diagram link and the help I'm searching

 

I hsd the same problem sunday leaving a car show I unhooked the battery hooked it back up and it started worth a shot worked for me

 

Sorry , miss read your year.
IIRC You have VATS?

www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

Search the 1001 VATS posts.

If the key pellet is worn or dirty , or same for the contacts in the Ign switch that read that pellet ,the VATS module will not be able to read the key correctly and wil prevent the starter from operating

 

tried that no luck but thanks

 

Yeah I had read some things over the years about the VATS and I have a couple of extra ignition keys, so I tried them and had no luck. It sure seems like that is the trouble but I also heard that there may be a fused line (purple wire) that has a slow blow fuse. Not sure if that is true on an 89 but he told me he had a El Camino 85 I think and this happened to him twice while he owned it. I really appreciate you coming back to me on this. Unfortunately it will have to wait till the weekend.

 

Bypass ( jumper ) the starter enable relay operated by VATS and see if it cranks over?
If it fires up ,the relay is the problem ; if it only cranks over you have other VATS problems like the key not being read or a faulty VATS module

Disconnect the plug on the VATS wiring under the column and put your DVM on the wires up the column to the key.
With key in Ign see if you get a resistance reading

 

thanks so much for all the help I think I have quite a days work coming at me but at least I wont be chasing my tail. I really appreciate all the help

 

@ VetteOZ
I want to thank you for the recommendations and the advice, it was a VATS issue and it turned out to be the wire connected to the key cylinder so we're searching for the parts. I really appreciate it. a few more hours and she'll be cruising again.

thanks again