Hey folks

I have to issues that I would like some input on.

1. Starting, I start the car and its fine, drive it around or just run it, shut it down, try to start again nothing, or it will turn over but wont catch. If I let it sit for a while, 15 minutes, starts right up. It has been doing this for years )(Some history, fuel pump is BRAND new as is the Battery. ALONG time ago it has the GM dealer installed alarm system but that was not the issue and its long gone. I did also have a hood lock/ignition kill installed many moons but the ignition kill was causing starting issues as well that too was cut out and fixed that problem years ago. The above issue has been since I have been working on it this past couple of years.)

2. I think there is a drain on the battery as well and it maybe my AMP to my subwoofer. However, if not, how can I tell there is a drain on the battery when the car is not running?

3. One other thing to note, back a few months ago I had it out on Superbowl sunday. Shut it down knowing I was going to be sitting a bit, figured it would start as normal. However it would not, and when I tried to jump it, I got sparks on the jumper cables. Afer it say for several hours, no spark issues, started right up. I was told this could have been the neutral saftey switch sticking. Figured I would mention it being having the issues above.

Would appreciate any thoughts on this. thanks again!

 

Just to add, one of the problems may be my ICM. I just found a response in one of my older posts. I will replace that. But any addtional input on this issue or the battery drain would be great! thanks

 

Help! Where is the ICM located on this car? I have the service manual and it is no help.

 

OK, nevermind i found the ICM and replaced it. NOW, something is kiling the battery immediately. I put the new ICM in, and the dist. cap was not lined up right it would seem. Tried to start it, and got a low humming sound from the engine compartment. So I adjusted the cap and now EVERYTHING is dead.

So I put the charger on it, set to start, she turns over and runs. Shut it down, try to start it, battery dead. Should I just leave the battery to charge?

Could this be a defective ICM from Autozone? Please help!!! thanks.

 

Would be a start ; wasting your time diagnosing thing with a flat battery.
Some of the engine systems ( ECM related) shut down below a certain volts

 

Disconnect Neg terminal on battery ; put a DVM ( on Amps scale ) between the cable and battery post.
See what current it is pulling.
Then remove fuses one by one to identify which circuit has the drain on it

 

vetteoz, thanks!

I got the battery charged up and the car is running great. In my rush I mixed up cyl. 2 and 6 on the cap. Now she turns right over. So the ICM was part of the problem. Now there are times she wont start right after shut down. So I am thinking either the cooling temp sensor and or the fuel injectors. All are original from 1989, HA!

I will check out the battery drain as well, thanks for the process, much appreciated!

 

Original starter?

 

antares57

Thanks and funny you should ask, no its not. Long story short, when I had the aftermarket kill switch installed the car had starting issues, it it was too hot, i would have to let it cool down. This was do to the wire from the kill switch was a smaller guage, and the heat would build up resistance causing the car not to start at time.

I had since cut it all out and put it back to original. So its not a 25 year old starter, more like a 22 year old one. Does it matter, I dont think so, but hey, thats the story!! What are your thoughts regarding starter?

 

I had issues like you have on all three of the 'Birds that I have. All had at least 20 year old starters. After replacing, the symtoms of no start/thunk/intermittent start went away. Next common thing to go is the fuel pump, at least with mine. Have replaced two out of the three. Good luck.

 

Good to know, thanks. I will check out the starter as well. They fuel pump is a couple years old with hardly any miles on it, I am pretty sure its ok.

Changing the ICM was a big help, no more non starts right after I shut it off. She starts right up again. There is still some hesitation to catch which makes me think the fuel injectors are suspect. They are 25 years old!

One headache at a time. I really appreciate all the help! this is a great website.