C4 (1984) no power to ignition switch

A

alpa1960

New Member
I recently finished installing a carbed 383 stroker. When trying to start for 1st time I get nothing. No dash lights, no fuel pump. I have power going into cabin ( 3 wires) , I also have 1 wire has power to fuse box,when I turn ignition on still only 1 fuse is "hot". the ECM has 1 wire going into it with power. I ran a hot wire from the starter to the ignition switch, and it fired right up. I'm pretty lost right now. I have basically the whole dash taken a part looking for the problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions ? Answers ?
 
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from the limited info it sounds like you have a loose or corroded electrical connection or a couple blown fuses or the starter or ignition circuits are not connecting correctly, all of those issues can be checked with a multi meter
you need a multi meter and a factory shop manual there's not a single thing on a c4 corvette that can't be checked,isolated and tested and repaired if that's required, its too bad your not local this should be a simple test and isolate then maybe replace a electrical connection or sensor repair job

links and sub links will help

is the VATS anti theft system making you nuts?​

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/ ... eft+System http://www.vatssucks.com/ http://vats.likeabigdog.com/ http://www.thirdgen.org/vats http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_b ... VAT_device
garage.grumpysperformance.com

is the vehical anti theft system ,(vats) making you crazy?​

is the VATS anti theft system making you nuts? the key here is thinking logically and the lost art of " isolate and test" http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-dig ... 98674.html...
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www.xfireperformance.com

82 and 84 Corvette Diagrams — Xfire Performance LLC

Here are a few important 82 and 84 corvette ECM diagrams and related diagrams that may help you with your troubleshooting. More diagrams will be added in the future… If you need more diagrams, troubleshooting charts and ECM code explanations, stop by the Shop and pick up the digital GM service ma
www.xfireperformance.com www.xfireperformance.com

engine wiring harness - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C4 Tech/Performance - engine wiring harness - Hello all. Me again. How do I know if my 85 has the right engine wiring harness? Mine was all hacked up. I bought one from an 85 with an automatic and my 85 is a manual. I was told they are the same. The color coding at the ECM is different. My...
www.corvetteforum.com

previous owner butchered wiring?​

HELLO GRUMPYVETTE?, I Have a nice little 1990 base model C4 with an automatic transmission with an unusual problem. Drove the thing home, almost, had to tow it the last mile. The fuel filter was in serious need of replacement. While searching around under the dashboard to find the connector so...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

locating a no start problem cause​

Starter Troubleshooting, READ ALL THE LINKED INFO start with the basics , clean your battery cable ends and make sure the connectors are clean, not corroborated and firmly clamped or bolted to the battery,verify youve got fuel pressure ,at the fuel rails and the fuel filter, and the fuel...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

c4 & c5 corvette trouble codes​

if your corvette won,t start or run, don,t panic its usually easy to locate the problems source, buy a CHEVY SHOP MANUAL FOR YOUR YEAR CORVETTE! RULE#1 never assume a damn thing ISOLATE ,TEST AND VERIFY...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

link to C3 & c4 vette wiring diagrams​

http://www.bowtiehotrods.com/forum/show ... 11#post611 http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repair ... 528008fd94 http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/ ... mation.htm http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/24899/index.html viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3222&p=8575&hilit=testing+alternator#p8575...
garage.grumpysperformance.com


unfurl="true"]https://www.amazon.com/ILLUSTRATED-CORVETTE-FACTORY-REPAIR-SERVICE/dp/B016V8B7IS[/URL]


step one is always the same, you need a FACTORY SHOP MANUAL the hays and similar manuals are useful but leave out many details

grumpyvette

Post in thread 'tracking down the problem getting the engine started'

maybe I expect too much at times, or its been so long I don,t remember being that young, ...the kid who had the cars electric fuel pump go out in the post above came by to thank me for help with his cars problem and I noticed that he had replaced the defective toggle switch,
and while the car was running but I happened to notice the box the , new replacement toggle switch came in.
it was a duplicate of the original toggle switch.... I get the strong feeling that reading the specs on the box never entered the kids mind. yeah! at his age it more than likely would not have entered...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'curing that problem with how your c4 corvette runs badly or won't start'









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C4 and camaro sensor and relay/switch locations and info

this infos bound to be helpful at times READ THE THREAD THRU TO THE END AND BE AWARE IT, AND ALL OTHER THREADS ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATED WITH NEW LINKS AND INFO without testing you simply guessing never guess, deal in verified FACTS! guessing is a waste of time think logically, isolate and test...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
I get calls frequently, that start out with the guy on the phone telling me,
some info, like I just replaced parts (X,Y,Z) and it did not solve my issues with
(starting, stalling, rough idle...
 
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step two verify your battery has about 13 volts and the alternator is actually working correctly,
verify you have fuel pressure at the throttle body and you have spark at the plugs, verify compression, in all cylinders,
test the ohms resistance in all spark plug wires, test ALL fuses with a multi meter verify all electrical grounds, read links for info,
it could be your ignition switch, your starter wiring a bad sensor, a VATS system issue, or several bad sensors, you can test and isolate everything with a factory shop manual and a decent muli-meter.

obviously if you lack one or more things you isolate and test to find out why
keep in mind when I answer these questions I expect people to read the answers years from now so they are not directed to just your issue
here's a few links with sub links that should help never assume test and verify,
start with the basics

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/lots-of-wiring-info-diagrams.317/#post-84479

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/testing-an-alternator.3222/#post-46703

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...urrent-flow-grounds-and-more.3504/#post-33363

Grumpy

Post in thread 'curing that problem with how your c4 corvette runs badly or won't start'

C4 Corvette Start Sequence for L-98 Engines

When starting an L-98 Corvette engine, a sequence of events take place that precedes the engine running. Knowing these sequences will help you troubleshoot no start issues with your C4 Corvette.
  1. Fuel Rail Pressurization
  2. C4 Corvette Start Sequence begins when you first turn the key to the “on” position, the fuel pump will run for 2 seconds pressurizing the fuel rails. There is a Schrader valve on the passenger side fuel rail near the rear of the engine and proper fuel pressure after the pump runs should be between...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'curing that problem with how your c4 corvette runs badly or won't start'

what trouble codes are present?
will the engine spin on the starter?
are you getting ignition spark at the plugs?
have you checked all the fuses on the pass dash side panel?
Id suggest you pour a full quart of MARVEL MYSTERY OIL in the engine, and a couple cans of two different brands of injector cleaner / solvent in the fuel tank and let it run for an hour , or drive the car a day or so,
before you do any parts swap, as the stuff really does loosen stuck lifters rather frequently at times
obviously the oil supplement/crud solvent/additive blend can't repair worn or broken or...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'Refresh 1982 crossfire vette'

for a second lets skip the EBL,ECM isues
yes I know its a P.I.T.A,
but its a solvable issue
what is the problems symptoms
won,t run?
won,t start?
won,t idle?
are you getting ignition spark?
whats the ignition timing set at?
whats the fuel pressure?
are you able to read plenum vacuum?
have you correctly adjusted the valves?
have you done a compression check?
if you think about it the twin throttle body injectors,
provide fuel in response of sensors data,
so in most cases issues are related too,
loose electrical connections,
blown fuses,
bad grounds,
vacuum leaks ,
faulty fuel...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'got a cross fire corvette'

step back and consider what your goal might be and your budget, then ask yourself if you want the corvette to run better while you maintain the basic original cross ram dual throttle body induction?
or are you more concerned with getting the corvette to run considerably better and far less concerned with maintaining the original look in the engines intake design?

we are all forced to work on limited budgets, but if your going to maximize a cross fire engine combo...
the most restrictive components are the stock intake cylinder heads, exhaust system, and cam
Id suggest you replace the...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'locating a ignition miss in the engine'

med_1530930608-20180705_191808.jpg


grumpy what temp am I looking to see with an infrared temp gun if I check out the exhaust headers?
Click to expand...



verify sensors correct function
Grounds00021a.jpg

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...core,f,EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=zr13


if you purchase a ZR13 auto code scanner, from HF,
you need this info
DOWN-LOAD AND PRINT IT OUT!
https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/63000-63999/Q63806.pdf...

grumpyvette

Thread 'trouble shooting & rebuilding HEI ignitions'

if your ignition is working correctly your getting a hot blue spark, thats got a noticeable audible snap to it if you test an ignition wire by removing it from a plug temporarily and holding it about a 1/3" from a ground like the block,a quick check of your shop manual for the correct advance and procedures for setting the timing and your timing light will be very useful in setting the ignition timing.
if you don,t have that snappy blue spark,, but only a dull yellow or red spark, chances are decent that the coil or the battery voltage or possibly a ground strap are defective, so check...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'tracking down the problem getting the engine started'




c4 & c5 corvette trouble codes

if your corvette won,t start or run, don,t panic its usually easy to locate the problems source, buy a CHEVY SHOP MANUAL FOR YOUR YEAR CORVETTE! RULE#1 never assume a damn thing ISOLATE ,TEST AND VERIFY...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

stop guessing and deal in proven facts, if your in doubt

On a sbc motor installed and running, there is suspicion that there may be an slightly warmer cam installed. Short of taking The top of this motor apart Is there anyway to confirm through testing of any kind? Like vacuum if there is anything other than an OEM cam installed? my dad always...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

code scanners/software

http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/AT ... dows.shtml http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/ http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/rennacs/rennacs/ https://www.scantool.net/obdlink-sx/#customer-reviews http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/wi ... _Inc.shtml...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

wiring diagram

hey would anyone have a wiring diagram for an 84 power seat? i need to know what wires move the seat. i bought after market racing seats and i wanna bolt them down to the original seat sliders but i cant bolt the seat to the car cause i dont have a engine in the car so there fore my wiring isnt...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

If your trying to isolate a problem, apply a bit of logic , what changes and whats the...

Grumpy

Thread 'Oil Pressure Sensor/switch, Reading Badly'

Grumpy my 1985 corvette would not start, I eventually traced it eventually to a defective oil pressure sensor and switch, near the base of the HEI distributor,
I only found your thread giving the OHMS levels to test the sensor,
only after I found the problem by swapping out parts,
that were suggested on several web sites,
I would have saved a lot of wasted time and effort if I had started reading rather than buying and replacing parts in almost a random pattern.
based solely on other peoples guess work.
Click to expand...
...

oldcarmemories.com

1982 & 1984 (L83) 5.7 Liter Cross-Fire Injection V8 - Love It or Hate It? - Old Car Memories

If you were a performance gearhead who came of age during the 1980s, you’ll certainly remember Chevrolet’s Cross-Fire Fuel Injection V8s. These were motors that have received their share of barbs and ridicule – unfairly I might add. A common name back in the day that was jokingly attributed to...
oldcarmemories.com oldcarmemories.com
 
Last edited:
Grumpy

Post in thread 'tracking down the problem getting the engine started'




c4 & c5 corvette trouble codes

if your corvette won,t start or run, don,t panic its usually easy to locate the problems source, buy a CHEVY SHOP MANUAL FOR YOUR YEAR CORVETTE! RULE#1 never assume a damn thing ISOLATE ,TEST AND VERIFY...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

stop guessing and deal in proven facts, if your in doubt

On a sbc motor installed and running, there is suspicion that there may be an slightly warmer cam installed. Short of taking The top of this motor apart Is there anyway to confirm through testing of any kind? Like vacuum if there is anything other than an OEM cam installed? my dad always...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

code scanners/software

http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/AT ... dows.shtml http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/ http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/rennacs/rennacs/ https://www.scantool.net/obdlink-sx/#customer-reviews http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/wi ... _Inc.shtml...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

wiring diagram

hey would anyone have a wiring diagram for an 84 power seat? i need to know what wires move the seat. i bought after market racing seats and i wanna bolt them down to the original seat sliders but i cant bolt the seat to the car cause i dont have a engine in the car so there fore my wiring isnt...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

If your trying to isolate a problem, apply a bit of logic , what changes and whats the...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'Weird wiring glitch 84 C4'

you should start by replacing defective pigtail connectors and gang plug connectors
a proper year shop manuals a huge help!
yes repairing a 40 year old corvette's wiring can be a P.I.T.A. but its doable and parts are available
but it takes research ideally a factory shop manual, and a multimeter and persistence
thank you for posting clear pictures, that helps
don't ignore sub linked info :like:
www.instructables.com

How to Perfectly Clean Wires in Minutes!!!

How to Perfectly Clean Wires in Minutes!!!: Here is an old ham radio operators trick for cleaning wires for soldering that are old and corroded. It is hard to find this technique printed anywhere! I am a ham, NH7ZE, and learned it from my elmer (mentor). I am passing it on. I hope…
www.instructables.com www.instructables.com
...
  • Like

grumpyvette

Post in thread 'tracking down the problem getting the engine started'

maybe I expect too much at times, or its been so long I don,t remember being that young, ...the kid who had the cars electric fuel pump go out in the post above came by to thank me for help with his cars problem and I noticed that he had replaced the defective toggle switch,
and while the car was running but I happened to notice the box the , new replacement toggle switch came in.
it was a duplicate of the original toggle switch.... I get the strong feeling that reading the specs on the box never entered the kids mind. yeah! at his age it more than likely would not have entered...

Grumpy

Post in thread 'won,t spin or start'

"GRUMPY I HAVE A 1969 vette that won't do a thing when I hit the starter key, any ideas"

step one
think logically be sure the cars not in gear,
get out a multi meter
verify the battery has the correct voltage (near 12 volts) and the battery cables are good as are the battery cable connectors
once you get it started verify the alternator boost that to closer to 13.8 volts minimum
step two
verify the starter and solenoid work with a set of test leads and there's 12 volts reaching the starter...

1984 - 1996 Corvette: Wiring and Circuit Identification

1984 - 1996 Corvette: Wiring and Circuit Identification - Below are tables showing the identification of wiring and circuits for 1984 - 1996 Corvettes:
www.corvetteactioncenter.com www.corvetteactioncenter.com
 
if your car won't start consistently, you need to isolate the problem to the source,
you can't insolate the cause without understanding the process, so you may as well start looking into how and why each step in the process starts , and how each step functions and triggers the next step.
your sensors are feeding data to the cpu, and its almost always a failure of a sensor to see what is expected,or a sensor failing to trigger the next step that causes problem.
if the sensor doesn,t see the ground or voltage or resistance it expects the cpu, won't allow the next step in the process
first step break it down into seven basic areas

(1) does the engine spin?
(2) does the engine have the correct level of consistent fuel pressure at the injectors?
if your using a carb, do you see fuel squirt when the throttles opened
(3) are you getting ignition spark and... are you getting it at the correct time? (got a timing light?, have you verified TDC?)
(4) do you have compression in each cylinder
(5) are the valves opening and closing at the correct time, and opening to the correct distance?
(6) are there any vacuum or fuel leaks
(7) are the injectors working correctly, or is the carburetor working as designed?
having a few basic meters,gauges etc. helps

image_6238.jpg


MULTI METER
irtemp.jpg

INFRARED TEMP GUN
timinggag.jpg

TIMING LIGHT
compgaga.jpg

COMPRESSION GAUGE
pressuregag.jpg

PRESSURE/VACUUM GAUGE

​

Do You Stop And Logically Isolate And Test Or Just Start Swapping Parts?​

Honestly, I have to wonder at times about the thought process or in many cases the lack of thought and research that I see going on.I don,t know about the guys you might know, but it seems all too common for guys I know to find something amiss, or out of adjustment and they immediately just...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

GM TPI stalling diagnosis​

With luck ,this is the right spot for this thread. About 6 months ago I installed AGM TPI conversion on to the 305 in my buddies 85 Monte Carlo SS. The whole conversion was previously installed on a 1970 Camaro and is therefore secondhand to us. All of the components match up with about a 1991...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

1989 Corvette Shows A Trouble Code #33​

Long story short, on an error code 33, check the Instrument panel fuse first. typical symtoms car starts and does not idle consistently (so you might think TPS (set at .54 volts) or the IAC is gummed up, (clean and test if required) look for vacuum leaks. it also helps to throw a can or two of...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

vette won't fire up after sitting​

1989 sitting for 15 years - Crank but no start 1989 C4 ... 142K miles. Sat indoors for 15 years. Cranks but will not start. Drained old gas, replaced fuel pump, sending unit, fuel filter. Fuel pressure is a solid 45psi with the pump is running, drops to 40psi when pump is not running. There...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

cleaning testing oxygen sensors​

garage.grumpysperformance.com

testing 1985-89 M.A.F. sensor​

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-19 ... 5-893.html http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...g-your-tpi-maf-and-cpu-links.2825/#post-16854 http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/maf.htm...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

Do You Stop And Logically Isolate And Test Or Just Start Swapping Parts?​

Honestly, I have to wonder at times about the thought process or in many cases the lack of thought and research that I see going on.I don,t know about the guys you might know, but it seems all too common for guys I know to find something amiss, or out of adjustment and they immediately just...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
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alpa1960 said:
I recently finished installing a carbed 383 stroker. When trying to start for 1st time I get nothing. No dash lights, no fuel pump. I have power going into cabin ( 3 wires) , I also have 1 wire has power to fuse box,when I turn ignition on still only 1 fuse is "hot". the ECM has 1 wire going into it with power. I ran a hot wire from the starter to the ignition switch, and it fired right up. I'm pretty lost right now. I have basically the whole dash taken a part looking for the problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions ? Answers ?
Click to expand...
I get no codes, no power to plug. Car will not power up. Full power in battery.
 
then you rather obviously have a electrical issue ,most likely a loose wire , corroded or disconnected electrical plug or one or more blow fuses,yes its a p.i.t.a. but it will require use of a multi meter to track down the break in power
I suggest you start by verifying power reaches the starter, starter solenoid when the keys turned , at the coil etc. test every fuse and when you eventually find you don't have power where you should, trace the wire or replace the fuse or sensor,to find out why its not working as designed?
read the links and sub links, If I was local I could help, but this is rather simply a case of trace test and verify, and having a factory shop manual is a huge help.
 
I have power to the starter. It leaves the starter to the cabin. The other power wire from the starter goes to the alternator, power in , power out , then into cabin.
I have to find where it goes once inside the cabin. that's where I have the problems of following the wires.
I ordered the manual this morning. should be here by Wednesday, fingers crossed.
 
www.xfireperformance.com

82 and 84 Corvette Diagrams — Xfire Performance LLC

Here are a few important 82 and 84 corvette ECM diagrams and related diagrams that may help you with your troubleshooting. More diagrams will be added in the future… If you need more diagrams, troubleshooting charts and ECM code explanations, stop by the Shop and pick up the digital GM service ma
www.xfireperformance.com www.xfireperformance.com


yes its probably a P.I.T.A. but there is a great deal that can be gained through reading links and sub links
a day or two spent carefully reading threads and links on previous cross fire corvette engine builds,
vs blindly buying parts, would save you a great deal of wasted time and money
all the info and the results are in those threads
and be aware that the links and sub-links provide a wealth of needed and additional info.

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...y-in-building-a-good-engine.11682/#post-54682

www.xfireperformance.com

82 and 84 Corvette Diagrams — Xfire Performance LLC

Here are a few important 82 and 84 corvette ECM diagrams and related diagrams that may help you with your troubleshooting. More diagrams will be added in the future… If you need more diagrams, troubleshooting charts and ECM code explanations, stop by the Shop and pick up the digital GM service ma
www.xfireperformance.com www.xfireperformance.com

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/dynamic-vs-static-compression.727/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/sellecting-cylinder-heads.796/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...e-required-octane-for-compression-ratio.2718/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...hing-the-drive-train-to-the-engine-combo.741/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/renegade-intake-for-cross-fires.2796/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-parts-and-a-logical-plan.7722/#post-71170

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-383-sbc-combo-planing.12168/#post-58778

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/383-information-overload.11137/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-fire-intake-porting-or-upgrade.102/#post-126
 
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