c5 electrical problems help

my 2001 vette started having weird electrical problems 2 years ago, the car would not start, then the gauges would start flashing and the back lighting would come and go, sometimes if you leave the key to the on position, it would power up finally and the car would start, other times it would just click, other times nothing, also sometimes the car would start in the reduced engine mode, i have had the car into all kinds of vette and high performance shops, the codes thrown are over the place, the shops replaced the maf sensor, computer chips,  unplugged and replugged the data cable lines, i have also pulled apart the 2 ground lugs in the engine compartment and cleaned and reconnected to the frame, replaced a perfectly good battery, now im getting ready to run it off the cliff, im sure i cant be the only person to be having these weird electrical problems, lol, also the window motors crap out every 12 months, and the signal lights quit working, up until 2 years ago the car was bullit proof and now i havent been able to drive it for 2 years because you never no if its gonna start, heelllpppp  

just curious....    have you replaced the electrical part of the ignition switch????

if not.... do you have a factory service manual with wiring diagrams???? or a subscription to the online manuals

and a decent digital volt meter... with a min max function...  or a graphing volt meter...  hand held scope...

even just the continuity beeper will work...    

why do i ask this... it really sounds like you have corrosion or contact problems in the ignition switch..
here is a picture of the switch ...

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/wl2/LS949/image/8/

these like most gm switches are built with silver contacts... they last a long time. but tend to leave carbon marks that can prevent the some of the multiple switch from closing properly every time..


going in with a wiring diagram.. measuring the various switch outputs...  looking at how steady the outputs are....

the continuity beeper can only be used with the battery disconnected...   listening to the switch contacts as you move the switch through its motions.. can show up problems..

i would like you to do me a favor .. before you do anything else...   disconnect the battery... jump into the drivers seat.. work the ignition key from accessories position through the start position a few Hundred times... with the power off...

yes... i am talking about spending 10 or 15 minutes working the key back and forth..


why...

ever had a stereo or radio that the volume control crackled when you tried to change the volume...   with the power off and working the volume knob..  you exercise the contacts without electricity going through to cause more arcing and carbon ....

try this... i have fixed many other cars with similar actions..

i drop by here daily looking for new posts...  so post what you find..


these switches are built like a music box.. a drum with spikes to move switch levers to close the contacts..  they don't wipe the contact faces like the old style slider type of ignition switches...


the ignition switch is probably an AC delco   D1499C   prices vary between 50 and 70 bucks... so it might just be worth dropping in a new one...  

thanks for the advice, i did do the ignition for about 15 minutes today, after i had done this, the car started and ran fine all day, i did turn off and start the car  20 to 30 times and as of now no problem, so thanks a million, i wonder why none of the so called experts i have taken the car too didnt just replace that ignition part? ive chasing this ghost for 2 years and thousands of dollars, so thank you very much i really appreciate it  

i am glad to have pointed you in the right direction...

this is one of the reasons i spend hours every day here at the keyboard..  

Wayne,
This worked like magic for my corvette too. I was pretty sure some electrical circuits were busted and I would have to shell out thousands to get it fixed. I'm glad I checked this forum before going to a mechanic.
Thanks a bunch for this great advice !!

Sid  

I have a similar problem with my 2002.   If I drive the car for about an hour, shut it down then try to start, nothing! Not even a click.  Almost like a dead battery but then 1-2 hours later the car will start.  I just did this procedure.  I hope it works.

Thanks for the post