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
26,815

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.
Mark helpful

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

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 1987 Firebird Starting Issue 3 Answers

    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...

    1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1987 Pontiac Firebird GTA 1 Answer

    Ok i have a 1987 Pontiac firebird and on the driver side door it has a knob it’s a switch for something and it does not work any idea what it’s called and what it goes to.

    1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1997 firebird Starting issues 3 Answers

    6 cyc, I just had it towed. Repair shop said, new alternator. I thought ok, I can save some cash - put in on my self. (really don't have cash to "save"), Anyway, they told me the battery would hav...

    1997 Pontiac Firebird Formula

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 91 firebird electrical issue 1 Answer

    So, one day I started to drive home and when I went to turn my head lights on, nothing happened. No noise, no actuator, no lights, no interior lights, no dash lights, nothing. After I stopped to ch...

    1991 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • fuel issue on 88 firebird 2 Answers

    i have fuel issue my car will run and drive but cuts out like its not getting fuel.ive replacede the fuel pump fuel filter anf fuel pump relay but it still is doing the same thing it just cuts outany ...

    1988 Pontiac Firebird

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Firebird

Looking for a Used Firebird in your area?

CarGurus has 14 nationwide Firebird listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Pontiac Firebird Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samuel Moore
    Reputation
    1,600
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    1,340
  • #3
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
20 Great Deals out of 313 listings starting at $10,500
Used Chevrolet Corvette
23 Great Deals out of 1,034 listings starting at $15,871
Used Ford Mustang
53 Great Deals out of 1,255 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Charger
35 Great Deals out of 639 listings starting at $4,888
Used Ford F-150
316 Great Deals out of 15,233 listings starting at $1,712
Used Pontiac Grand Prix
4 listings
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
7 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota Supra
65 listings starting at $49,988

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.