Hey everyone, I did a stupid thing and hope you can help. I have an 89 iroc with a 383, new holley computer. it was running rough like there was interference coming from somewhere. So i unplugged the stock computer to see if it would start without that connected. No power at all while turning the key. So i plugged the stock computer back in and i still have no power when turning the key. I checked the connectors for bent or damaged pins and they all look fine. Then i realized i never disconnected the battery when pulling and reconnecting the plugs to the stock computer. I know stupid!!!! Is there any known fuses that i could have blown while doing this?? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Peter

 

When you say no power does interior lights work , headlights ?
or just no power to starter when trying to crank ?

 

Lights work, No power to crank when i turn the key forward.

 

Have you bypassed the starter enable relay?

 

I don't know what that is, So no i haven't.

 

The car was originally equipped with vehicle antitheft system. The passkey module controls the starter enable relay located under the drivers side kick panel. Test fir power while cranking or bypass.

 

Regarding the first question, while it is always advisable to disconnect the battery before the ECM, not doing so does not necessarily result in damage to the ECM. Chances are the ECM was not damaged at all.

Second, when the key cylinder is turned forward to crank, what happens to the temperature gauge and warning indicator lamps? If they do not operate (bulb test mode) there may be an issue with the ignition switch and/or its adjustment. One possibility is that the ignition switch is not being actuated fully. The key cylinder connects to the ignition switch via a linkage rod. If the IROC has a tilt steering column there are additional components in the actuator system, and some of those are more prone to wear (die cast material). To minimize any slack in the linkage with a tilt column it may help to position the steering wheel in its lowest position before turning the key cylinder.

 

I bypassed the starter enable relay and she started right up.. Thank you. Now my question is what is my best path forward from here? How do i fix this issue? is it as simple as connecting those 2 wires together permanently? Is there a better, more professional way to fix it?

Thanks,
Pete

 

It would be best to determine whether the start relay has failed contacts or is not receiving power to the coil. There could be a problem with the neutral safety/clutch safety switch, VATS, ECM connections, or other wiring maladies.

 

 

@chazman did you try this?

 

Is there anything that would keep the starter enable relay from working, besides the VATS?

 

Yes, cranks but won't start when jumped.

 

check your neutral safety switch if left unplugged or bad your car won’t start

 

It's 2 years old. Sure hope he figured it out by now. Probably VATS at the lock cylinder.