I just started having problems with my 1987 not starting sometimes. It only has 45,000 miles on it and sometimes when I get into it and turn the key NOTHING happens. Try it several times…nothing…not even any clicking. Get out and leave it for a while and then get back in and try it again and it starts up immediately, what gives?

Sounds like a problem with the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system)

Thanks, I'll check it out...does anyone else have any other suggestions?
Van

Get out and leave it for a while and then get back in and try it again and it starts up immediately, what gives?[/SIZE][/FONT]

Sounds like a lean start-up. How about you pump the throttle a few taps is to send more fuel in when cranking. Seems you have a lean condition is that when you come back to the car it lights off is the gas in the plenum chamber is now ready to light off; is too bad you do not have a primer pumper on carbs kind of stuck with the TB is no gas in a dead cold engine. You could flood the old carbs on cold days is more gas to start up that lean emissions running car these days.
Try a few throttle stabs on initial start up or come back later is you almost had it lit off walking away.

It is either the VATS, as has already been stated...or the possibly the key itsself if you have the chip.
The VATS is easy to bypass...buy the kit from any of the Corvette suppliers....
I think if you check mthe owners manual, it will tell you how long it takes for the VATS to re-set, but I think it is about 5 minutes.

It is either the VATS, as has already been stated...or the possibly the key itsself if you have the chip.
The VATS is easy to bypass...buy the kit from any of the Corvette suppliers....
I think if you check mthe owners manual, it will tell you how long it takes for the VATS to re-set, but I think it is about 5 minutes.

I would agree with mongo here! :cheers:

mongo is correct

Had same problem with my 96, was the chip in the key,tryed my new key and its been over a year with no problems. The vatts bypass kit will probably kill yor factory alarm. The vatts system should reset itself 10 minutes after failure to start.

I'm having starting issues with mine right now! I just posted a thread and hoping to get some action on that. :willy_nilly:

I just started having problems with my 1987 not starting sometimes. It only has 45,000 miles on it and sometimes when I get into it and turn the key NOTHING happens. Try it several times…nothing…not even any clicking. Get out and leave it for a while and then get back in and try it again and it starts up immediately, what gives?
had the same problem with my 85. it was the starter. It would get hot and not be able to turn the engin over. If it only happens when the car is hot that might be the problem. I replaced it with a high end replacement and no troubles after

same problem, when it gets hot wont start for about 25-40 minutes but not all the time, already tried the rekeying and the vats by pass any other suggestions, please help, only about 40,000 miles but runs great otherwise, thanks.

did u try it and did it work, I have an 89 I tried rekeying and bypassing with vat system, it is still doing the same, please let me know. thanks.

What was the problem? I have a 84 that will do that and I have to jump it at the starter, but when I shut it off I get nothing again. After a day it will start right up and I havge no clue what it is.

same problem, when it gets hot wont start for about 25-40 minutes but not all the time, already tried the rekeying and the vats by pass any other suggestions, please help, only about 40,000 miles but runs great otherwise, thanks.
Hello.
We had a 89 corvette with an intermittent no start problem it ended up being the ground going in to the VATS module. The module will send a 5 volt signal to the ECM when the correct key is installed. We found a bad ground and the signal to the ECM was only 3.8 volt with the correct key, This low volts out of the VATS module will not energise the starter interlock relay and there will be no injector pulse out of the ECM. Do you have injector pulse when it wont start? To check jump the starter solenoid and spin motor over with key on, You will need to unplug one injectors, Now take a 12 volt dash light bulb (THE KIND THAT PUSH IN) bend the two little wires on the bulb so they will plug in to the injector plug, This will be your pulse test light, Now spin the motor over from the starter solenoid the light should blink very slow and dim, That is your injector pulse. If theres no starter and no pulse when hot wiring starter, it's probley the VATS. And a VATS bypass kit will not fix this problem dont waste your money.
David Steele

Here are a couple of things to consider on those tempermental starts... 1. Could there be a problem w/ (if on yours Vette) the MSD ignition, 2. Bad Key? 3. Definitely the possibility of some security feature going haywire... those years I believe one of the most tempormental security features was called Pro-Lock.. which many dealers used...

I allso have a 1987 and i tollerated the same thing for months. I finally ordered and installed a new vats ignition switch and key and the problem has been gone four months now.
I drive the car every day and it's great. thanks,gary

I allso have a 1987 and i tollerated the same thing for months. I finally ordered and installed a new vats ignition switch and key and the problem has been gone four months now.
I drive the car every day and it's great. thanks,garyGood to know! I sometimes have a start problem , but nothing major yet thank god

my 86 had the same problem...the vats system could be the problem but my problem was the ignition modgule . easy to replace..remove distributor cap and rotor and its only two screws to loosen a couple plugs to unplug...cost 40.00 at pep boys or advanced auto....easy fix.. falcon51 :burnout:

when my vette does this i have to lock doors and wait 5 minutes.unlock doors get in and it starts. this usually happens if i've been in and out of car without starting it.i assume it's part of security system as that flashes on dash.

does radio and other accessaries work? mine do.

Sounds like a problem with the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system):iagree: :thumbsup3: MORE THAN
LIKELY THE VATS,SYS, HAD THE SAME PROBLEM LIKE 90% OF C4,S ,DID BYPASS ON MINE AND PUT ALARM SYSTEM IN IT WITCH GAVE ME KEYLESS TO ,,WELL WORTH THE MONEY AND THE PIECE OF MIND OF IT NOT STARTING :rolleyes:

I had the same problem with my 87. It was the VATS key. Bought a new key and been fine since.