Hello All, I just bought an 88 z28 w/a 350. wont start. Cleaned all visible wire connections, still no start, when I put the key in the igniton and just jiggle it, the buzzer goes on and off but no crank? the guy I bought it from had it running then it just stopped running. after looking over the wiring setup I notice that the battery wire to the distributor had an aligator clip connected to it. that lead to the choke, I took it off and respliced the wire back together. Plugged it back into the distributor and still nothing. all other wires look ok.

Could it be that the battery wire to the distributor could have arc'ed and shorted it out. or could it be the ignition swich? whats the best way to troubleshoot this problem, all help appreciated.

Thanks

 

if theres a resistor on your key, you have the VATS system and its a real pain....my RS is in the shop right now getting it fixed, its over 30 dollars just for the key from GM

 

I don't think I have the VATS system, I just have a regular key, please explain what the VATS system is???

Thanks

 

The VATS system is an early model of todays from the factory anti-theft device. If you do have the Vats system then you will have this little black box with a Metal strip in the middle of the Key. It is a Magnetic device. when you put it in the ignition the car Identifie's it bysending electricity through the Metal strip and it sends back a resistance through the mtal and each key has a different resistance.

 

Ok! now that we've come to the conclusion of not having a VATS system. The car sitll don't start. I'm waiting to have a chilton book for the car sent to me. I need to know the location of the ignition switch, and the ignition module it's an 88 z28 w/350. One other question it has been a long time since I worked on electronic ignitions, ? can the top part of the distributor cap be replaced or do I need to replace the entire cap.

Thanks

 

ooops! a new way to spell, " Still" is > sitll....lol

 

ignition module is under cap and ignition switch is on top of the steering column near the brake pedal>have fun

 

"have fun" is it that much of a pain in the A** to do. is there a way to test the ignition switch? I'm trying to do this the cheapest way I can.

 

is there a chance that the ignition key cylinder is bad? if you can make the buzzer come on and go when you jiggle the key, couldnt it be there cylinder?

 

Ok, here is what just happend with my ignition problem-
turn key on, all power is there but nothing else, wont start

what i changed
starter
alternator
ignition module

what the auto shop changed
VATS cylinder
VATS key
VATS wiring (very worn)
Ignition switch

now the actual problem was the ignition switch, it was original AC Delco from the factory and the start burned out, so after 2 weeks without having my car, and about 500 dollars later, try the 40 dollar ignition switch first