C5 not starting all the time.

**philbillyvette** · 01-07-11, 07:45 AM

Been having a couple of issues with the C5. On occassion it won't start. I get in, put my keys in, turn, get all the lights, the gauges sweep, buzzers sound, hit the key all the way and nothing at all.
I have had this happen more than once, it usually happens after the car has been driven, shut off and gotten back into after a short period of time...ie..making a stop for breakfast in the morning or a quick trip to the grocery store. After a little bit and a few repeat turns it starts right up, i usually sit there and take the key out and flip it or wipe the chip off, but not sure if that is actually doing anything or not.

Anyone have this issue with their C5??? Is my starter on the way out?

**Toms01** · 01-07-11, 07:58 AM

Well, my first thought was the passkey chip. But if I remember correctly, the battery might be marginally good. Have you had the battery checked? A marginal battery might allow all the lights, etc but not start the car. IDK It would not explain the several attempts later where the car eventually starts though.

**LLC5** · 01-07-11, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by philbillyvette

Been having a couple of issues with the C5. On occassion it won't start. I get in, put my keys in, turn, get all the lights, the gauges sweep, buzzers sound, hit the key all the way and nothing at all.
I have had this happen more than once, it usually happens after the car has been driven, shut off and gotten back into after a short period of time...ie..making a stop for breakfast in the morning or a quick trip to the grocery store. After a little bit and a few repeat turns it starts right up, i usually sit there and take the key out and flip it or wipe the chip off, but not sure if that is actually doing anything or not.

Anyone have this issue with their C5??? Is my starter on the way out?

Always start with the basics so that you know you can trust them when doing further diagnosis. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Have the battery properly load tested to make sure that it is good. If those two items check good, then the next step will be to find out if you are getting proper voltage to the starter solenoid during cranking (and with the no start condition active). If all those check good, then it is probably worn contacts in the starter. Good luck with it.