I had this issue occurring as well. After buying a new battery per the Dealership suggestion, we identified the problem as lying in the steering lock mechanism (i.e. Steering Lock Service Required). I spent $800 to replace a short and after a few months it shorted out again. Chevy replaced it again and then a funny thing happened. My dealer service person actually told me to purchase the C6 Steering Lock Column Eliminator. I found it funny that the dealership was actually telling me there was no fix but the bypass would take care of it. I plan to buy it, but when a dealership defaults to a bypass, you know there is an issue they don't want to address (or can't for some reason). When you google the bypass eliminator, you find plenty for sale, which means there is a need. Hope this helps.
I had a similar problem 2007 Z51. In my case the relay would click, but not turn over. It never stranded me, but I got to the point where I didn't trust it. Not good with any car :-( . Today it would not start at all, just click. I wiggled the negative terminal and it started right away. Ironically I was starting it to take it to my local Corvette tuner. All the forums said the starter (or more exactly the solenoid) was the root cause. Remember all the power goes through the starter for the whole car. It also caused my volt meter to erratically jump around when it used to be solid at 14.1 volts. Took it in and sure enough the solenoid was bad. About $550 parts and labor. Hope this helps at least one person :-)
The car will more than likely start if the column is locked before hitting the start button. if it's locked, and i hit it, then the car will more than likely unlock, then start. when you disconnect the battery, and reconnect it, it only will work if you hear the motor run, "rink rink" sound after reconnecting. it's like it's resetting the column lock. So it' is definitely something to do with the column lock, as part of the start sequence.
I've been having a similar problem lately, I believe it's the keyfob not being detected for whatever reason. So all I did was put the key fob closer to the sensor in which is at the top of the pillars over my head driver side. And then it would start.
Column lock bypass is what youll be looking for. Look on ebay there is one person selling them out of houston its plug and play 79.99, and it will always start
I had to put on onto my c5 corvette, but haven't researched the c6 yet. I prefer the lock to work! not for theft as much as, getting into the car. with the wheel locked, it's much easier to use it to help keep you from scuffing up the seats with your butt when the wheel is stable.
I was thinking about doing the same thing :P But I feel that after observing the problem and listening, that it has to do with the column lock. My car seems to do it if the column did not lock, more often than not. I mean if i get out of the car without hitting the wheel to lock it. I think it confuses the car, by not being able to unlock, and already unlocked column that was suppose to be locked. if i hear a "rink rink" like the motor moved to disengage the column, i'll get a start.
if it's the column lock you will see an error message on your dash saying - service column lock - common problem. they sell a bypass that you put in while the column is unlocked, and you will not have this problem any more until the bypass fails.
Hey Jeff, did you ever figure out the problem? I have the same car with the same issue.. it does this at random times...it’s annoying and kind of embarrassing..
This worked for me. i have the column lock installed and thought it failed so installed a new one and no change. i also tried a new starter button, new clutch sensor and swapping relays none of that worked. unhooking the battery for a moment worked. after watching every video yours worked. i wonder if it was a security issue after my fob battery went low and it would open the door but not start, i checked the battery and it was 2.7volts so i put a new battery and then it never started until i did the battery cable.
Nothing quite like a sexy guy in jeans working on his car! lol You know the cars of today are probably more complicated than the spacecraft of yesterday. So no doubt you performed some kind of reboot or sensory reset. Did you come up with the idea to disconnect the battery and reconnect it on your own? I'm impressed. : )
elint I have yet to figure out the fix. It's definitely something to do with the column system lock. the c5 corvette had issues with the collumn lock, but it wouldn't reset with disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. I need to do some more research...but springs coming up so I'll get into it as soon as I get some more free/me time :)
Jeff Zahnd Hey thanks for the update. Everything I have read is pointing towards the column lock also. Not a huge deal but a definite annoyance. Let us all know if you figure out the ultimate fix to this. There's a lot of the corvette community hoping for an easy fix!
it's almost as if the car is programmed not to start if the column is locked..so it have to unlock it before starting. and there is either a switch, or some sort of signal failing to tell the car that it's unlocked and able to start. I'm going to look into the issue a bit more though.
I have the same problem, and use the same technique. Not good, but better than a tow truck. Replaced battery and column lock module -- no improvement.. A local dealership says they will deal with the problem for $2,000+. After reading similar stories in the Corvette Forum -- with zero success -- I've resigned myself to the battery cable disconnect. :
Any updated anyone to what the fix is to this besides having to disconnect the battery? I'm thinking about getting the service lock bypass installed? Jeff Zahnd have you figured anything out yet?
This video shows exactly the same issue I have with my 2005 C6 manual, but when I tried the work around (disconnecting the battery) it didn’t work. You happen to have made that new video? Sorry it’s like 4 years later I know
I need help with my Corvette!!! It is the same car in the video. Its a 2005 c6 coupe. Just replaced the battery. I left it sitting out overnight with the cover on. I wake up to start it and go put it in the garage.. it starts and stays on for about 5 seconds then out of nowhere the car just shuts off on its own, everything blinks and key fob wont work. I cant start it at all I have no power to the car at all. The green light isn't lighting up to start it. I had it towed to my local chevy dealership, they still cant find the problem. It wont start, the car has no power, window wont go down to shut the door at all. Brand new gold duralast battery and still nothing.No outside or inside lights go on, cant lock or unlock the car. key fob isn't working. Can someone tell me what this could be?
Izzy Silva did u ever find out I’m having the same problems with an 05 convertible and I’ve replaced the bcm alternator I can’t figure it out at all forums not helping
If you have unhooked your battery or put a new one in it turn your ignition on dont start it and wait 15 minutes then turn over to start it mine done the same thing called dealer and they said try this and it worked has to do with your security
I have same problem 2 years ago what i have to do to fix it !? C6 2005 Only start when i disconnect the battery .. I want fix all the problem ? Manual gear
Bro you are a life saver, I literally did exactly what you did down to the zesty walk and it worked 😂
Thanks! I was stranded at work, and I removed the battery terminal and car started right up. Saved me a tow! No, to reset the windows...
I had this issue occurring as well. After buying a new battery per the Dealership suggestion, we identified the problem as lying in the steering lock mechanism (i.e. Steering Lock Service Required). I spent $800 to replace a short and after a few months it shorted out again. Chevy replaced it again and then a funny thing happened. My dealer service person actually told me to purchase the C6 Steering Lock Column Eliminator. I found it funny that the dealership was actually telling me there was no fix but the bypass would take care of it. I plan to buy it, but when a dealership defaults to a bypass, you know there is an issue they don't want to address (or can't for some reason). When you google the bypass eliminator, you find plenty for sale, which means there is a need. Hope this helps.
Carlos Franco Yeah.. but they don't refund your $800 right? And make you pay for the SLCE? Sheesh.
I had a similar problem 2007 Z51. In my case the relay would click, but not turn over. It never stranded me, but I got to the point where I didn't trust it. Not good with any car :-( . Today it would not start at all, just click. I wiggled the negative terminal and it started right away. Ironically I was starting it to take it to my local Corvette tuner. All the forums said the starter (or more exactly the solenoid) was the root cause. Remember all the power goes through the starter for the whole car. It also caused my volt meter to erratically jump around when it used to be solid at 14.1 volts. Took it in and sure enough the solenoid was bad. About $550 parts and labor. Hope this helps at least one person :-)
I'll look into this!
The car will more than likely start if the column is locked before hitting the start button. if it's locked, and i hit it, then the car will more than likely unlock, then start. when you disconnect the battery, and reconnect it, it only will work if you hear the motor run, "rink rink" sound after reconnecting. it's like it's resetting the column lock. So it' is definitely something to do with the column lock, as part of the start sequence.
I've been having a similar problem lately, I believe it's the keyfob not being detected for whatever reason. So all I did was put the key fob closer to the sensor in which is at the top of the pillars over my head driver side. And then it would start.
I have the same problem, and use the same technique, it's a column lock module problem. Stef to France
Column lock bypass is what youll be looking for. Look on ebay there is one person selling them out of houston its plug and play 79.99, and it will always start
I had to put on onto my c5 corvette, but haven't researched the c6 yet. I prefer the lock to work! not for theft as much as, getting into the car. with the wheel locked, it's much easier to use it to help keep you from scuffing up the seats with your butt when the wheel is stable.
I was thinking about doing the same thing :P But I feel that after observing the problem and listening, that it has to do with the column lock. My car seems to do it if the column did not lock, more often than not. I mean if i get out of the car without hitting the wheel to lock it. I think it confuses the car, by not being able to unlock, and already unlocked column that was suppose to be locked. if i hear a "rink rink" like the motor moved to disengage the column, i'll get a start.
if it's the column lock you will see an error message on your dash saying - service column lock - common problem. they sell a bypass that you put in while the column is unlocked, and you will not have this problem any more until the bypass fails.
Hey Jeff, did you ever figure out the problem? I have the same car with the same issue.. it does this at random times...it’s annoying and kind of embarrassing..
I have the same issue and so far what I have done is change the battery terminal and replace your fuel pump relay.
Thank you.
Sade Walker honestly I forgot what I did 😂. I did end up getting a new battery and a column lock bypass and I think that’s what fixed it.
Jeff Zahnd thanks! 😃
This worked for me. i have the column lock installed and thought it failed so installed a new one and no change. i also tried a new starter button, new clutch sensor and swapping relays none of that worked. unhooking the battery for a moment worked. after watching every video yours worked. i wonder if it was a security issue after my fob battery went low and it would open the door but not start, i checked the battery and it was 2.7volts so i put a new battery and then it never started until i did the battery cable.
i did drop the starter too but it was fine.
Nothing quite like a sexy guy in jeans working on his car! lol You know the cars of today are probably more complicated than the spacecraft of yesterday. So no doubt you performed some kind of reboot or sensory reset. Did you come up with the idea to disconnect the battery and reconnect it on your own? I'm impressed. : )
I know I'm late as hell but check the positive terminal on the starter
Hey Jeff my vette does this time to time. Did you ever figure out what the fix to this is besides disconnecting? I have an 05 also...
elint I have yet to figure out the fix. It's definitely something to do with the column system lock. the c5 corvette had issues with the collumn lock, but it wouldn't reset with disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. I need to do some more research...but springs coming up so I'll get into it as soon as I get some more free/me time :)
Jeff Zahnd Hey thanks for the update. Everything I have read is pointing towards the column lock also. Not a huge deal but a definite annoyance. Let us all know if you figure out the ultimate fix to this. There's a lot of the corvette community hoping for an easy fix!
it's almost as if the car is programmed not to start if the column is locked..so it have to unlock it before starting. and there is either a switch, or some sort of signal failing to tell the car that it's unlocked and able to start. I'm going to look into the issue a bit more though.
my chevy tahoe is doing the same thing. Intermittently, it will not crank. I disconnect the positive cable, reconnect and it cranks right up.
I have the same problem, and use the same technique. Not good, but better than a tow truck.
Replaced battery and column lock module -- no improvement..
A local dealership says they will deal with the problem for $2,000+.
After reading similar stories in the Corvette Forum -- with zero success -- I've resigned myself to the battery cable disconnect. :
did you ever find out what the problem was
Any updated anyone to what the fix is to this besides having to disconnect the battery? I'm thinking about getting the service lock bypass installed? Jeff Zahnd have you figured anything out yet?
What did ya find
I think I solved the issue, new video to come
Did you found it ? i just had this problem and did the same thing by reflex
This video shows exactly the same issue I have with my 2005 C6 manual, but when I tried the work around (disconnecting the battery) it didn’t work. You happen to have made that new video? Sorry it’s like 4 years later I know
How did you resolve the isssue?
I need help with my Corvette!!! It is the same car in the video. Its a 2005 c6 coupe. Just replaced the battery. I left it sitting out overnight with the cover on. I wake up to start it and go put it in the garage.. it starts and stays on for about 5 seconds then out of nowhere the car just shuts off on its own, everything blinks and key fob wont work. I cant start it at all I have no power to the car at all. The green light isn't lighting up to start it. I had it towed to my local chevy dealership, they still cant find the problem. It wont start, the car has no power, window wont go down to shut the door at all. Brand new gold duralast battery and still nothing.No outside or inside lights go on, cant lock or unlock the car. key fob isn't working. Can someone tell me what this could be?
sorry for the delay on replying. All I can think of is a bad battery connection, either at the terminal, or a fuse, or the battery is dead...
I found out it was a major electrical problem!
ChevyGuy 98 what was it exactly if you remember ?
Izzy Silva did u ever find out I’m having the same problems with an 05 convertible and I’ve replaced the bcm alternator I can’t figure it out at all forums not helping
key fob battery ?
Anyone have any luck with those? My car starts when it wants! And yes sometimes it starts after monkeying with the neg term.
Replacing the battery will fix that problem, it doesn't have enough voltage for the brain of the car to allow it to turn over
U wrong.
Mine does this same exact thing. Even a new battery.
I have the same problem with my c6. I disconnect the battery so it can start. someone solved the problem?
Nice pro charger
If you have unhooked your battery or put a new one in it turn your ignition on dont start it and wait 15 minutes then turn over to start it mine done the same thing called dealer and they said try this and it worked has to do with your security
nice blower! lol
need a battery 11.7 volts too low...
I have same problem 2 years ago what i have to do to fix it !? C6 2005
Only start when i disconnect the battery .. I want fix all the problem ? Manual gear
i'm still looking into it....
Yeah well I have a C4 Corvette and I have a dead key ,,, it for 20 minutes nice and fine shut it off and it won't start
That's not solving the problem🤦♂️