1987 Firebird Starting Issue

Asked by JDietrick82 Sep 16, 2020 at 04:39 PM about the 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After a problem-free summer, I’m having
difficulty starting my 1987 Firebird. I went to
start it this morning and all I got was silence. I
tried letting the key on “ON” for a few
seconds to see if that helped. No dice. The
radio, windows, headlights, etc. worked and
the Brake and Service Engine lights came on
when I cranked.  I took my other vehicle to
work and after eight hours, I came home and
it started right up.

The starter was replaced a month ago and all
the grounds were checked and are good. The
alternator is two weeks old and is charging
because when the car starts I’m at the 14V
I’m supposed to be at. My battery is 3 years
old but I disconnect it during the six months
out of the year I don’t drive it. It passed a load
test.

It’s totally random. I can start it ten times in a
row and then five minutes later...nothing. Any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

3 Answers
26,865

taver91 answered 4 years ago

Have the car's "VATS" system checked. It is the security system that matches the chip (resister) in the key to your cars ignition system. These have a history of going bad over time and the fixx is cheap and relatively easy. First, try a spare key that may work if it has less wear on the resistor chip. If that does not work, GM sells a bypass harness for about $30 that takes this system out of the circuit and allows the car to start. I had the same problem with my '91 about a year ago and it has never failed since.

2 people found this helpful.
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JDietrick82 answered 4 years ago

Thank you for the response. I don’t think my car has VATS, because it’s an 87. I will double check though. I’ve been doing some research and I think maybe the neutral safety switch might be the culprit. Of course, now it’s been behaving as it should. Thanks again.

Mark helpful
40

Steven answered 4 years ago

Tavr91 fxd my 99 with this advice a year ago. Dropped the yellow wire behind the kickplate blo the steering column, spliced in the resistor, all over but the beer drinkin. Tks again tavr91

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