ignition trouble

[ohberlin]

Hi All,

I believe I've exhausted the posts covering ignition but I am still experiencing starting problems on my 1999

C2 coupe with tiptronic. Maybe someone here can provide further help. Shortly after I bought the car in January of this year the trouble starting it began occurring. I cleaned and lubricated the lock which seemed to make a difference for a moment, I bought a new switch which seemed to make a difference for a few days. Then recently I upgraded with a new ignition housing assembly from suncoast ( part #996 347 017 07 )

with the aid of R&R instructions from this forum. ( great instructions, btw ) And I had really hoped that that would cure it. However I am still stuck with a "getaway car" that won't start until I am almoast ready to give up trying ( same results with both keys I've got). Now I'm wondering if there might be a problem with the wiring in the plug connector or maybe the immobilizer or maybe the starter itself.

Any ideas...? If it is the starter I understand that it's tricky getting to, is there a link for it on RennTech?

I really would appreciate your help in solving this mystery. TxIA Oliver.

[wvicary]

So does the engine crank over or no?

[ohberlin]

So does the engine crank over or no?

Engine cranks over right away when the starter finally catches. It seems that outside temps make a difference, e.g. when I go to work early in the morning it's been pretty muggy in NE and warm the last few days (above 70*) and it might take a couple of tries turning the key to start the car. (and I'm off). Going back home in the afternoon has been a breeze. :rolleyes: When it's cooler out it takes longer. Sometimes it seems as though I need to hold the key in the "start" position as if the plunger on the starter solenoid would need to be energized to overcome some sort of resistance ( I'm speculating). Then again, maybe it's a wire problem, or could it be related to the communication between key and immobilizer ( assuming that's how that works/?)

Being stuck in the parking lot of my local supermarket failing to start my car is what I'm contending with. :angry:

(amongst other items...)

[ohberlin]

Anyone have comments on this

[Loren]

Check the connections at the starter for corrosion as well as the engine ground strap.

BTW... how old is your battery? Have you had it both load tested and also had the specific gravity of each cell checked?