I have had a problem for a few weeks now, so I'm seeking help. My 2.8L v6 89 firebird will not start. She won't even try to crank. The battery is brand new as are the posts. I have checked all the wires to the battery and they seem good. I have replaced the starter and the ignition module (a part I was told goes bad often in GM vehicles) Does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be? This is unrelated, but the spark plugs and wires are all brand new as well. She ran just fine after I replaced the spark plugs, wires, and battery. Then one day she just wouldn't start. She makes no noise at all when you try to start her. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

If it doesn't even try to crank, then the problem is related to the starter.

Have you checked all relative fuses?

Have you checked if the starter is getting the correct voltage to its wires?

If you have a manual gearbox, then the clutch has a safety switch and the car won't crank unless the switch is activated.

If you haven't got a haynes or chiltons repair manual yet, I recommend getting one.

 

89 model year was the first year for VATS, which disables both the starter and the fuel injection (not the pump, the injector signal itself)... If it isn't even cranking, chances are you have a problem with the key...

 

The first thing you should do is bypass the VATS system, chances are that's what it is. Here's a good article on VATS in general and how to bypass it with a resistor: https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

Buddy has a similar problem, except, his died while going down the highway. Now when trying to start, it gives one click and then nothing.

 

Have him check the connections at the starter, especially if it died after going over a hard bump in the road. Sounds like something (especially the positive battery cable) is loose down there. Also, have him take the connections apart and clean them up until they shine like new.