1988 Chevy Camaro battery?

BLUCIPHER

MEMBER
1988 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Engine Mechanical problem
1988 Chevy Camaro V8 Automatic

I was having a problem where the car wouldn't idol by itself for the first minute after starting it, then it would run great. I unplugged the positve battery terminal and replaced the fuel pump relay. When I plugged the battery back in, I heard a high pitched sound coming from in the cockpit. This sound went away upon turning the key on, but now the car won't start. At first I thought maybe it was in the relay, but even with the old relay, it still wont start. It was running great, and I wouldn't have thought unplugging the battery would cause such an issue. Any ideas as to what it might be?

11 Replies

INTERNETMECHANIC

MECHANIC
700 POSTS

No idea. Are there any applicable trouble codes? If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while visually check for spark at the plugs. Use a gage and check fuel pressure. Got to start somewhere.

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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 4:56 PM

INTERNETMECHANIC

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Unless it is aftermarket, there is no security system. MOD didn't show it?

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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 6:43 PM

BLUCIPHER

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Not sure, don't have one. But, every single time I unhook the battery, upon reconnecting it, there is a high pitched sound that sounds like its coming from in the steering column or in the dash. Its a contiunous sound until I turn the key on. Then is doesn't do it again unless I unhook the battery and rehook it again.

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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 AT 6:13 AM

BLUCIPHER

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So I still cant figure out whats wrong! I checked the engine codes and it just repeated 12 which means it found no issues. For shits and giggles I put a new battery in it. Upon connecting it I heard the beep again and also noticed a clicking sound that is in sync with the dome lights flashing on and off. This all goes away when I turn the key to on, but the car still just turns over w/o starting

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Thursday, July 8th, 2010 AT 9:10 AM

INTERNETMECHANIC

MECHANIC
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Did you ever visually check for spark at the plugs. Pull a spark plug wire, use known good plug or spark tester in the boot, ground metal part of tester to metal part of engine, engine cranking, watch for spark.

Use a gage to check fuel pressure, having some pressure isn't good enough. Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage, if you don't have one.

You might try some starter fluid, there are some safety issues with using a flamable spray, the safety issue is your responsibility. I take the air duct loose from the throttle-body, open the throttle valve, spray just a little in there, don't stand over the engine, do not work the throttle pedal, just turn the key to crank, see if the engine tries to start.

I can't help about the noise, don't know what it is? Check the relays, usually you can put your fingers on the relay and feel if it is clicking?

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Thursday, July 8th, 2010 AT 9:27 AM

BLUCIPHER

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Well I couldnt get a fuel pressure gauge yet but, I just replaced the pick up and it gets great spark at the plug. I took oput the number 1 plug and got it to top dead center and checked the timing, right on. I checked the fuel lines and saw that the one on the driver side was getting a lot of fuel when I turned the key on. The passenger side wasn't getting any so I assumed that was the return?

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 5:57 PM

JDL

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16,098 POSTS

If you check fuel pump volumn on the return side, if it will fill up a tall-boy beer can in under 30 seconds, I call it good volumn. Maybe not very scientific, an empty beer can is usually the only empty container I can find. Lol

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 11:14 AM