1996 Camaro Won't Start

[D_Fisher]

As the title says, my 96 Camaro won't start. This morning there was a slight hesitation before it fired up. Never had this hesitation before. Figured I didn't have the clutch all the engaged. Same thing when I left work and after I got some gas. Made one more stop and now the car will not start. No cranking, no clicking, nothing. Radio, windows, accessories et all, work just fine.

I know the battery is good as its less than 6 months old. But just for kicks I tried to jump it. Same as before, nothing. Push started it to get it home. It ran perfectly. Figured the 150k started had finally given up the ghost. Took it off and ran over to AutoZone and had it tested. Tested OK.

Thought that maybe my key somehow went bad and the security was not allowing it to start. I dug up my spare key and tried it. Same thing, nothing.

I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions?

[vr4gasm]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

loose ground?

[nascar24jd]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

Here are my thoughts, one step at a time.

1. Turn the key on but do not try to start the car. The Security light should be on. It should turn off after 4 seconds. If the Security light does not turn off then that is the problem.

If not the problem then...

2. You mentioned pressing the clutch all the way in to start the car. Maybe that switch has gone bad?

If not then...

3. My next thought would be the starter itself, but you stated that you had it tested. You could have a helper try to engage the starter while you are checking the starter wires with a test light to see where the power reaches, and where it does not. ***PLEASE DO THIS SAFELY***

[D_Fisher]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

You mentioned pressing the clutch all the way in to start the car. Maybe that switch has gone bad?

BINGO!

I was about to call it a night and started to look at the electrical diagrams in the back of the Haynes manual. Found the clutch start switch mentioned. I removed the switch, took it apart, and found that the U shaped contact was broken in half. Found the part on AutoZone's website and verified that they had it in stock. Replaced the switch and she fired right up.

Thanks

[nascar24jd]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

Great. Glad you fixed it.

[mycatsadiva]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com forum rocks!

[96RS Alex]

Re: 1996 Camaro Won't Start

$7.00 part too. I should check mine since it is also an original from 1996. Glad your problem was resolved with good troubleshooting help.