ok, quick question. I know all about the thousands of posts on vats and security and replacing....First off, I have an intermittant problem of the car just not starting, (everything else works,just doesn't turn over).
I cant remember what my security light does when I have the prob.

- what does the security light do exactly when its trying to tell you that there is a problem? Does the security light just flash by itself only when the key is in the starting position? steady while in start position? Does the security light stay on after the key gets pulled out?

I have to diagnose this thing....cant afford the dealer.

 

are you referring to a factory or aftermarket alarm?

should it be an aftermarket alarm, check the starter kill relay.

 

factory alarm.


this is a very weird prob, b/c when it doesn't start, I put the car in first gear and push it a little and drop the clutch. This upsets/ moves around something and the car will then start. And it is definately NOT the starter.

 

Sounds like the clutch/start switch, then. You can bypass it with a paper clip to test.

 

Shoebox, thanks for the quick reply and for the help.
Do you mean the little black box under the clutch pedal that compresses? the clutch safety switch... I think its called that.
How do I check it? Unplug and run a clip between the nodes/wires?

 

I did do a test for power at athe starter. I held the clutch pedal down and had power at the starter. IDK if this makes a difference in testing the clutch safety switch.

 

You should Alwyas have power to the starter at the larger post, its comes straight from the battery. You should be checking to see if power at the smaller terminal on the starter. Thats the one that triggers the solenoid and in effect turns it on. Like shoebox said the clutch switch is always a possiblity, taking off the connector and sstuffing a paper clip of wire in it will take it out of the equation. If you do that an still don't have power to the small terminal on the starter then you're left with VATS, theft deterrant relay, ignition/key switch, and shorted wires. If you do have power to both the large and small terminals when having the key in the start position then its the starter itself.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...e/56541919.gif
In this picture, THe terminal on the upper left is the Constant Battery Power (large terminal), the middle right terminal is the one that needs power to start. Bottom terminal with the metal strap on it is just a ground i believe so no need to worry about it

 

So, I go out to my Z yesterday to do some errands and this is what happened:

I left the store, get in the car, turn the key and get nothin. I just froze right there (keeping the key in start position+clutch down) and after 2-3 seconds it started.

Then, later on I left my girlfriends house. I turn the key and get nothin, all the normal dash lights do there normal thing and I never see the SECURITY light stay on.
My low coolant light has been on for a couple months. And while I have the key held in the START position the "low coolant" light flickers like power is being drawn.
Anyway, I bump start it and get home. I shut her down, and attemp to start her up again just to see. Bam! , she starts right up.
I think it may be some kind of wire short. I have to get under there and check it out. Sorry for long post and THANKS!

 

Did you ever bypass that clutch switch? That's the first thing I would do.

 

nope not yet, I will today if it stops raining.