1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

[James C.]

I have a 1990 ZR1 that is pretty tempermental when it comes to resarting. I took the car out for a Saturday drive and it fired right up and ran perfectly. After shopping a few hours, I turned the key and nothing, not even a click. The bateery is new and fully charged. The lights work, warning lights on dash work, radio etc. I left the car overnight and the next day it fired right up and ran fine. I have had the car into the local Chevy dealer and hence the new battery. I never thought it was the battery, but that is another story. The previous owner had the same problem and saiod it would restart after 2 to 20 minutes after trying to crank it up. I was wondering if I am the only one experiencing this problem.. Thanks! Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

I have a 1990 ZR1 that is pretty tempermental when it comes to resarting. I took the car out for a Saturday drive and it fired right up and ran perfectly. After shopping a few hours, I turned the key and nothing, not even a click. The bateery is new and fully charged. The lights work, warning lights on dash work, radio etc. I left the car overnight and the next day it fired right up and ran fine. I have had the car into the local Chevy dealer and hence the new battery. I never thought it was the battery, but that is another story. The previous owner had the same problem and saiod it would restart after 2 to 20 minutes after trying to crank it up. I was wondering if I am the only one experiencing this problem.. Thanks! Jim

Jim,

Sounds like a classic VATS problem.
My friend had the exact same issue on his 90 ZR-1 until he removed the aftermarket alarm system. That fixed it.
If you have any aftermarket electrical additions, check them out.

The other thing is to try some rubbing alcohol to clean the VATS pellet on your key. I've also heard that one of the white "ink" erasers can help clean the VATS contact enough to get rid of the issue for a while.

Simple VATS info: http://www.drdetailshop.com/gmpellet.htm

There are plenty of VATS troubleshooting guides on the web.
I would not recommend disabling it "just because."

Patrick

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

I would agree that VATS sounds like the culprit but...................

I have also replaced many ZR1 starters too. Service bulletin # 92-307-6 addresses this issue. Corrosion to the starter connection. This happened to vehicles that had the engines washed and the connection was submerged in water because the drain was plugged with debris. The procedure to correct this issue is outlined in the bulletin. If you need a copy of this bulletin, let me know. I'd be happy to fax it to you. Your dealer will be able to pull it up for you too.

Seems to me there might have been a bulletin about the clutch switch on those cars too. Trying to find it now.

[Tyler T.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

The early ZR-1's (90-91) are famous for this problem. While the above are useful suggestions most of the time its actually the cluch safety switch. The first design starting cktry routes heavy current through this switch which is too small, It heats up and will not carry the current thus the car will not start. To test this you can jumper around this switch by removing the hush panal on the drivers side, locate the purple wires that goes to the clutch switch and jumper them at the dash, If this fixes the problem then you can upgrade the switch or just leave it jumpered and remember that it will start in gear just like most 'real' corvettes. (C1-C2)

Tyler

[John D.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

Found three bulletins which address this issue...hope it helps
john



1990 Chevrolet Corvette | View All Bulletins | Document ID: 250264
#92-307-6: NO START CONDITION (STARTER CORROSION-REPLACE STARTER) - (Sep 21, 1992)

SUBJECT: NO START CONDITION

MODEL and YEAR: 1990-92 CORVETTE

ENGINE APPLICATIONS: 5.7L (RPO LT5)
ENGINE VIN (MODELS): J
SUBJECT: No Start Condition (Replace Starter)

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS: 1990, 1991, and 1992 Model Year Y-Car
CONDITION:

Some ZR1 Corvettes may exhibit a no start condition due to starter corrosion. This condition is most likely to occur after the engine has been washed.
CAUSE:

The starter on an LT5 engine is mounted in the engine "vee." A drain hole and drain tube are located at the rear of the engine valley. While washing the engine, debris may settle in the engine "vee" and block the drain system.
CORRECTION:

Perform the following procedure whenever a vehicle comes in for a starter replacement.
1 . Remove the old starter.
2. Clean any blockage in existing drain system.
3. Drill a 3/8" diameter hole through the engine "vee" to the back of the engine, allowing drainage (see Figure 1).
4. Install new starter, p/n 10455704.
Parts are expected to be available on October 26, 1992. In case of limited inventory, parts will be placed on 400 control to waive VIP surcharges. Only verifiable emergency VIP orders will be accepted. SPO will make every effort to obtain parts. However, the part will be shipped premium transportation at dealer's expense and all other order types will be placed on backorder until the 400 control is removed.
SERVICE INFORMATION:

Labor Operation: T1868
Labor Times: 1.9 hours (1990 and 1991 Model Years) 2.1 hours (1992 Model Year)
.

1990 Chevrolet Corvette | View All Bulletins | Document ID: 224861
#47-65-03: HARD START ON HOT RESTART/ INCREASED IDLE SPEED - (Jan 24, 1994)

SUBJECT: HARD STARTING DURING A HOT RESTART, INCREASE IN IDLE SPEEDS, AND IDLE FLUCTUATION (REPLACE MEM-CAL)

MODELS: 1990-91 CHEVROLET CORVETTE WITH 5.7L ENGINE (VIN J - RPO LT5) AND MANUAL 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION (ML9)

CONDITION:

SOME OWNERS OF 1990 CORVETTES MAY COMMENT ON IDLE FLUCTUATION, INCREASE IN IDLE SPEED AFTER A HOT RESTART, AND AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED DURING A VEHICLE COAST TO STOP WITH CLUTCH DEPRESSED.

SOME OWNERS OF 1991 CORVETTES MAY COMMENT ON A HARD STARTING CONDITION DURING A HOT RESTART.

CORRECTION:

THE CALIBRATIONS HAVE BEEN REFINED TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS. REPLACE THE MEM-CAL WITH THE DESIRED UNIT FROM THE CHARTS BELOW.

PART INFORMATION:

MODEL BROADCAST SCANNER PART BODY YEAR CODE I.D. NUMBER STYLE AXLE ----- --------- ------- ------ ----- ---- 1990 AYBK 3921 16163905 COUPE 3.45

1991 BFXB 3431 16193416 COUPE 3.45

PARTS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

LABOR OPERATION: T0500 LABOR TIME: 0.5 HOUR

FIGURES: 0

GENERAL MOTORS BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THOSE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION. SEE A GENERAL MOTORS DEALER SERVICING YOUR BRAND OF GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

COPYRIGHT 1994. GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

1990 Chevrolet Corvette | View All Bulletins | Document ID: 250264

#92-307-6: NO START CONDITION (STARTER CORROSION-REPLACE STARTER) - (Sep 21, 1992)

SUBJECT: NO START CONDITION

MODEL and YEAR: 1990-92 CORVETTE

ENGINE APPLICATIONS: 5.7L (RPO LT5)

ENGINE VIN (MODELS): J

SUBJECT: No Start Condition (Replace Starter)

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS: 1990, 1991, and 1992 Model Year Y-Car

CONDITION:

--------- Some ZR1 Corvettes may exhibit a no start condition due to starter corrosion. This condition is most likely to occur after the engine has been washed.

CAUSE:

----- The starter on an LT5 engine is mounted in the engine "vee." A drain hole and drain tube are located at the rear of the engine valley. While washing the engine, debris may settle in the engine "vee" and block the drain system.

CORRECTION:

---------- Perform the following procedure whenever a vehicle comes in for a starter replacement.

1 . Remove the old starter.

2. Clean any blockage in existing drain system.

3. Drill a 3/8" diameter hole through the engine "vee" to the back of the engine, allowing drainage (see Figure 1).

4. Install new starter, p/n 10455704.

Parts are expected to be available on October 26, 1992. In case of limited inventory, parts will be placed on 400 control to waive VIP surcharges. Only verifiable emergency VIP orders will be accepted. SPO will make every effort to obtain parts. However, the part will be shipped premium transportation at dealer's expense and all other order types will be placed on backorder until the 400 control is removed.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Labor Operation: T1868

Labor Times: 1.9 hours (1990 and 1991 Model Years) 2.1 hours (1992 Model Year)

Figure 1

Figure 2

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

[Tyler T.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

Try the jumper first, its easier and cheaper.


Tyler

1988 ZR-1 4,500 mi.
1990 ZR-1 195,000 mi

[Glenn B.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

OK - I'm a C2 wanna-be still on the ZR-1 learning curve , what kind of animal is a 1988 ZR-1, is it kinda like a unicorn?

[Tom H.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

An 88 ZR1 would be a prototype or experimental unit. Or a home built Frankenstein !! Might you have a VIN for said car ????

[Tyler T.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

An 88 ZR1 would be a prototype or experimental unit. Or a home built Frankenstein !! Might you have a VIN for said car ????

Its a little unusual. One of 24.

http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/prototype/87_89pd.jpg

http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/prototype/87Museumrear.jpg

http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/prototype/APrototypesStory.doc

Tyler

[David M.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

James,
You should check out the ZR-1 Net Registry. There is a ton of ZR-1 info and a great trouble shooting section.
WWW.zr1.net

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_troubleshooting.htm

[Glenn B.]

Re: 1990 ZR1 Starting Issue

Sorry for the thread hijack - but very cool car Tyler (Quasar blue is what I'm looking to get). Didn't realize pre-90's existed. Waiting on delivery of my copy of heart of the Beast - much to learn.