Old96er

Hi


My 1996 Camaro V6 will not start when the temperature is below freezing. When its warmer than that it starts fine after a clicking sound dies down behind the glove compartment.


This weekend I was going to by pass the VATS system with resistors I have matched to my key but after further research, I get the feeling the problem could be with the body control module.


If I replace the BCM, how big of a deal is it to reprogram it?


Any insight appreciated!


Thanks!

Injuneer

In cold weather, what happens when you turn the key to "run" - do all the dash lights come on for a few seconds? When you turn the key to "start" what happens - does the starter engage and crank the engine? Does the engine at least sputter like it's trying to start, or just silence? Does the "SECURITY" light do anything - flash or stay on solid? While cranking, have you checked for spark?

Do you have a way to scan the PCM? There is a code for a missing theft deterrent system fuel enable circuit signal.

Old96er

When the car does not start, the car has power in the cabin but when I turn the ignition nothing happens. Again, this is only when it's below freezing. It's warm up here in Cleveland today and the car starts just fine.


The SECURITY light will some times come on. Not always.


When you say "scan the PCM", are you referring to scanning with a tool I can rent from Autozone that looks for trouble codes?

Injuneer

As I recall, with the 96/97 BCM, the starter theft deterrent relay is external and gets the ground signal from the BCM. Let me look at the 96 factory manual security system wiring diagram. Could be the BCM not sending the signal ground, or the relay not responding. Also need to confirm the location of the 96 relay, because that could be the clicking behind the glove box. In 93/94/95 it’s to the right side of the glove box.