I've got a '92 RS. Lately I have been having troubles starting the car. I will put the key in, turn it, everything will come on, but the starter sill just click once. I'll try this a few more times, screw with the key (possibly pushing it in more) and then try it. It works. Does this saound like a VATS problem with the contacts in the cylinder not contacting both points? Or is it a bad starter? I'm not sure. Last summer, It did this a few times a week, but it would start the second time every time. It COMPLETELY stopped about September, but this last week and a half, it will do this two or three times every time I try to start it. It doesn't seem to matter whether the car is cold or hot, it will just click. Any suggestions?

 

it doesn't sound like VATS... if you turn the key to the on position the security light should go out with in a couple seconds... if it does its not VATS...

start w/ the simple stuff... power to the s pole on the starter... power connection to starter and battery... if all that checks out it or if you have intermitent power to the s pole it could be the ignition switch or a problem with the rod travel in the column... or the starter it self if there is not an intermitent power problem to the s pole on the starter...

zroc

 

If it clicks, it's not the VATS.

 

soooo, it's probably the starter then? or rod travel in the column?

 

I had the same problem on my GTA. Header heat caused the top of the solenoid to crack open. Some dirt got on the metal disc inside the solenoid. So each time it clicked out, it was chance whether or not I got a good part of the solenoid. I had to turn the key a few times to get it to make an electrical connection.

 

I'll try to check it out when I'm under the car today. Great day to work on the car.