I purchased this car a few weeks ago it hasn't been started many years but I was assured that the engine runs fine. new battery new starter and when I turn the key to try to start it will not do anything, so I replaced with new ignition coil and still nothing from turning the key. I turned on the key went under the car and jumped the starter with a screwdriver and the engine turned right over with no problem. can someone help me figure out what's going on or where my next step should be? thanks in advance.

 

Buy yourself a factory service manual, it has really good diagnostic procedures for this situation. You will also need a multimeter.

 

thank you I will check into that

 

I had the same condition in an old Lumina.

Replaced starter, pulled off the dashboard and nothing.

Finally problem was the vats wire failed and grounded near to C100 connector.

Your car has VATS?

It's automatic? : Other switch to test


Solution is in wiring diagram + tester (multimeter).

Chek with patience in a logical route

Denis v.

 

I've worked on cars many years with my father but I've never really dealt with this problem and from my understanding and research they did not start putting the vats system in the Camaros until 1989 and mine is in 1987. but I will definitely check out the other suggestions thank you.

 

Shouldn't be a VATS issue, 88' was the first year the F body could get VATS.

 

Your key would have the little chip if you have VATS, which in 87, you shouldn't have.

 

correct it's just a normal flat key. but the key will slide out of ignition switch while turned on the run position. even new keys I had made. but Tumbler will not turn without key inserted

 

100% sure it's wired correctly?
Check fuses and the fusible links down by starter. If you have a helper that will make things a bit easier. Esp testing for 12v on the purple wire at starter while turning the key.

 

1. It won't do anything meaning no dash lights etc? Do headlights work? Does radio / blower work when key is turned on?

2. Or do you mean the dash lights / accessories come on but it will not crank. / engage the starter?

Replacing the ignition coil won't make it crank over.

Thinking your ignition switch (not the tumbler but the switch) might be bad.

 

when I turn on key all dash lights work, blower works, headlights, etc. but when you physically turn the key there is no engagement of the starter. thanks

 

In that case,


See if you're getting power from the ignition to the starter solenioid wen its cranked.

You might have a faulty one..or maybe a loose wire......been there...got that lol


if you're not getting power then something is wrong in-between the ignition and solenoid.

could also be a bad fusilbe link

 

new starter new battery new ignition coil are all installed.

 

Yes, See if you are getting power to the starter solenoid when key is in the crank position....it could be a defective unit.

 

will do thanks