How to Troubleshoot for a Hard to Start 1998 Camaro
- 1). Open the hood of your Camaro and inspect the battery cables for corrosion or looseness. If the cables are corroded, then they will not allow electricity to flow from the alternator or battery to the starter. Soak the eyelets by pouring carbonated soda over them and cleaning them with a brush and cloth.
- 2). Shake the battery cables to inspect them for looseness. This is one of the first tricks that a tow-truck driver often uses before hooking your vehicle to his rig. If the cables are loose, tighten them with a socket wrench. Sometimes, the cables just need a little jiggling and the car will start right up. Do not turn the ignition key too many times, as numerous back-to-back start-up attempts will drain the battery further.
- 3). Listen for metal-on-metal gear grinding sounds when you try to start your Camaro. Alternatively, also listen for a slight whirling followed by a click. Both noises are signs of a failing starter. Look underneath the engine for the starter, which is near the front of the car. Use a hammer to tap one end of the starter, which looks like two small cylinders joined together. If you still have trouble finding the starter, trace the positive battery cable, which splits and travels to the alternator and to the starter.
- 4). Plug the scanner into the 1998 Camaro's OBD II port, which is behind a panel below the steering wheel. Turn on the scanner and turn the Camaro's ignition to the accessories position. Look up the codes from the scanner on websites such as AutoZone or OBD-Codes.com. Many sensors are involved in the starting the car, including the ECM (engine control module), air temperature and MAF (mass airflow) sensors. Replace any failed sensors as indicated by the OBD II scanner.
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