Menu

The engine does not turn over.

by Mark
(Manhattan Beach)

I own a 2003 Corvette C5 with relatively low mileage (58,000 mi.). Off and on for the past six months, I have experienced the following problem. When I turn the ignition key, absolutely nothing happens. There is no sound of any kind. I will then wait for 10 or 20 seconds and try again, with the same result. Usually, after a third or fourth try, the engine kicks over. When it does, there seems to be a very slight delay, and I have a sense that the engine is not responding immediately with full power. However, this is more of a vague feeling on my part. The key problem is the complete lack of response when I turn the ignition key. That is the situation right now, as I compose this message. I just had a new battery installed, so that is not the problem. The radio, lights, etc., all work when I turn the ignition key, but the engine is simply dead silent. There is no whirring or clicking sound. Nothing. The fact that the engine usually starts up after the third or fourth try is perplexing and adds to the difficulty of diagnosing the problem. When I took my car in for some other work last month, I mentioned this problem to the mechanic, who specializes in Corvettes. However, the engine turned over with no problems the entire time the car was at his shop, so he did not experience first hand the problem I described. What does this suggest? A problem with the starter mechanism? What is the best way to diagnose the problem?

Comments for The engine does not turn over.

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 14, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Checking In
by: Chris

Mark,

I hope this comment finds your inbox. I wanted to check in and see if you were able to try any of the things I suggested previously. Just wanted to let you know I'm still here and ready to help.

Regards,

Chris

6/14/16
Jun 10, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Key to your problem
by: Corvette Braniac

Mark,

Thank you for your submission and the excellent description of your problem. The details help us theorize a key point in the process at which your problem might exist.

The first thing that comes to mind is the security chip on the key not making full contact in the ignition electrical contact. This chip is a resistor based on the key near the big end of the key. It will be black with brass looking contacts. This resistor is one resistance of several available resistances that disable the car as a theft deterrent. This resistor value completes the circuit via the saved resistance value stored in the body control module. This feature verifies the key is actually turning the ignition lock and not something else like a screw driver mechanically overriding the lock mechanism.

My advise to you is to try another key. Preferably your spare key if you still have it available. Please try this and see if we have changed the symptoms of your problem. You could also try jiggling the key in the ignition or try pushing is slightly as your turn the key to start. If any of this changes your problem definitively please respond back and I will help you with your next step.

Either way respond back to this comment section.

Regards,

Chris Trautman

Corvette Master Braniac.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Premium Corvette Ask.
























Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

Note: Some links on this page are part of our affiliate program and provide a small portion of proceeds to fund the administrative costs and to fund more product reviews.  We are not paid to perform the reviews or are we given any products for free.  

You might like these