hey guys. i got big time probs. i need to get it fixed asap. here it goes. yesterday i went to start the car, and nothing. no solenoid click, nada. so i figure it's something with the starter motor. well, i'm on the process of getting it out ( and getting grease on the keyboard), and well, it wont come out. my question is do i have to drop the y-pipe down to get it out? i am really trying to avoid this because the bolts are rusted on, and like typical GM, will probably snap off and are a bear to get out once they do ( i know from experience). any tips would be appreciated. thanx

 

I replaced mine about 3 months ago and didn't have to remove the y-pipe. It was a b$#ch getting it to come out though.

 

Forgive me if this is a stupid response but.....

When you say you turned the key and you got nothing... I'm assuming you at least got dash gauges going to 0, that is, you have power?

If so, put a test light on the solenoid wire and turn the ignition key...to find out if you are even getting the signal to the solenoid. if not, it could be the ignition switch....

good luck

nick

 

well, i got the thing out and bench tested it. it worked fine. now it's back in the car. it took some finesse and some swearing to get it in and out, but it worked. any ideas on why it wont start for me? yes, i have power to the dash and radio. everything works, but the starter. could it be the VATS? is there a way to disable it to find out? or could it be the ignition switch? thanx

 

Does the Security (or whatever it says) light on your dash go out? or does it stay on?

 

it goes off. i ran a wire from the terminal on the starter to the battery. when i touch the pos. terminal, the engine turns on. as soon as the wire is removed, the engine dies. seems like theres no power getting to the plugs?? i am so confused right now. i read a code 12 if that means anything

 

When you turn the key to the on position did you hear the fuel pump turn on. I don't know if you are having the same problem i had, but one day i messed with my car and when i went to start it and nothing. But my head lights worked my radio worked and stuff but wouldn't start. Well after 2 days of searching I found a little fuse that is the fuel pump/ecm fuse. Mine was located right above the battery but you can't see it because it is inside a little black capsule it was attached to passenger side fender. I have an 87 iroc with tpi. Well i hope this helps. I know the feeling all to well

 

hey thanks for the tip.

 

nope, not it. thanx anyway

 

I'm not familiar enough with 3rdgen F-bodies yet (i've only had mine a week) to help much more. All I can suggest is check all the fuses and any fusible links these cars may have. getting ahold of a service manual (and the electric schematics) and then tracing what should have power (and finding out what doesn't) might lead you to the problem.

good luck.

 

I had the same problem with my 89 GTA. It turned out to be VATS related. It was the metal piece in the key. It had worn down over time and therefore was not recognized by the ignition. I had it replaced (ignition and key) at the dealer for around $150. Worked ever since. Hope this helps.