I bought my first camaro. A 1997 z28 30th anniversary. I got to test drive it and then i drove it home from the person i bought it from's house. I started it a few times since i had it and it started right up. I even drove it around my block twice. Then a few days later i tried starting it up and it would'nt start!.. Ever since i had a new key made and tried the new key it wont work. I then i tried my regualr key and it wouldnt work. I thought maybe the key was the problem bought my dad put a little starting fluid and it started. So it cant be the key thats the problem. Im thinking it is not getting gas. There is a full tank. I just dont get why it just all a sudden stopped strating. I just got my licenese plate/insurence and i now want to drive my first car!
Someone please give me some help. Ive been reading up a little on a book for fixing camaros i have. I called a dealer ship and they want $90 just to look at the car for problems and then wahetver it is for the cost of the problem.
PLEASE HELP WITH ANY THOUGHTS OR IDEAS YOU HAVE, THANKSSS
Registered User
You must use a GM key with the proper security resistor (black pellet mounted in the key) to start your car otherwise the on board security system will prevent the car from starting. Therefore only the key that came with the car will work.
Since you have that key and it's still acting up, it's most likely a fuel issue. Do you hear your fuel pump run for 2 seconds when you turn your key to ON, not start. If the pump runs then it could be the check valve in your fuel pump. If this check valve gets dirty, the car won't hold fuel pressure needed to start. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail (schrader valve - looks like a tire valve) and verify that the fuel pressure when the key is turned to ON, not START, holds at around 36 psi. If it drops off quickly, you mostly likely have a stuck fuel pump check valve.
Since you have that key and it's still acting up, it's most likely a fuel issue. Do you hear your fuel pump run for 2 seconds when you turn your key to ON, not start. If the pump runs then it could be the check valve in your fuel pump. If this check valve gets dirty, the car won't hold fuel pressure needed to start. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail (schrader valve - looks like a tire valve) and verify that the fuel pressure when the key is turned to ON, not START, holds at around 36 psi. If it drops off quickly, you mostly likely have a stuck fuel pump check valve.
Registered User
Do what he said above. Fuel pressure can tell you almost everything you need to know.