I have a 97 3.8 5-speed and it's not starting. I turn the key and it doesn't do anything. It's behaving the same way it does when I attempt to start the vehicle without pushing in the clutch. That leads me to think it might be the clutch position switch, but I'm not entirely certain because I removed the switch and jumped the leads on the harness with a paperclip and it still didn't start. I found this thread to give me ideas, but I'm not certain if all the issues discussed apply to my situation. After looking at that thread I'm now thinking about that resistor pellet in the key, but the problem is that I only have one key for the car. What I'd like to know is what else could possibly cause such a problem (starter/solenoid/etc).

Thank you in advance!
-ZZ

 

Is the security lamp lit?

 

Step one would be to make sure it is not a bad starter or a weak battery. I would check for power at the starter in the small wire while someone trys to start it.

 

The security light flashes. I also already tried puting it on a jump start with my truck but same issue. This weekend I'm going to have some help to do some things that require two people.

THX for info.

 

To add, I hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key to the "on" position. Would that rule out the possibility of a bad resistor pellet in the key? Also, if the resistor pellet in the key is bad, would that inhibit me from starting the car by popping the clutch? I want to say yes, but can anyone confirm that for me?

I'll be testing the starter and solenoid later today, so I should have my answer on those matters soon.

I don't want to try and start the car by popping the clutch (not yet at least) because if it fails to start I won't be able to get the car back in the driveway.

Any other input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

heres some links on vats from shbox

4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech-PassKey/VATS
http://shbox.com/1/vats_bypass.jpg
4th Gen LT1 F-body Tech Articles

 

UPDATE: After testing, the starter and solenoid are both good. I also went to the dealer and had a new key made too. The car still does not start. I tried push starting the car, and it doesn't run - telling me that the fuel injectors are not getting power. I am now convinced that it is some kind of security system issue. In my schematics I see a "theft deterent relay" that I would like to check. Does anyone know where it is located? Again, the car is a 97 3.8 5 speed.

BTW: I have checked all fuses under the hood and in the dash. They are all good.

 

How's the clutch position sensor? Try jumping it with a wire.

 

i was also thinking the clutch pos sen you could try jumping the small wire on the starter to the battery wire and see what happens that will bypass the need to press the clutch in

 

I actually already tried jumping the clutch position switch with a wire. Same issue.

EDIT: Again, the security light is flashing, and the car won't run by popping the clutch. I've also already tested the starter/solenoid for power and everything there is fine.