86 DOA in garage

[Moonunit 451]

JonM,

I think we're getting closer here. From the link you provided:

"Disconnect C281 (two-cavity connector at base of steering column with two black wires in the female end and one yellow and one brown wire in the male end). Your newly purchased resistor goes into the male side of this connector, so you'll need to crimp a couple of female pins to the resistor legs."

What I 've got:
"a small black connector comming down the column with a male connector coming from the ignition side. It has to thin guage yellow wires with a black sleeve comming down the column and plugs into th female black connector that has a yellow and brown wire, larger guage"

The article indicates "two black wires"

I have two yellow wires, BUT, they are in a black sheath. The rest is all as described. I think I should go for it. There isn't really anything else in the area that meets the description.

Thanks . I can't get to it until tomorrow morning. So if anyone disagrees with my conclusion, please post. Or encourage me that I'm doin' the right thing here:s

Still working on a photo solution.

Colin

 

[Moonunit 451]

OK, here are links to two different perspectives of what I'm looking at if anyone can positively identify.
http://forus.com/moonunit/DSC00865.JPG
http://forus.com/moonunit/DSC00866.JPG
Thanks.

 

[vigman]

YES

You got it! ( odd the wiring colors vary)

to test it...just clip lead it in!



Vig!

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know tomorrow how I make out:BOW .

 

[Moonunit 451]

YAHOO;worship ! She fired right up folks. It's a beautiful thing. Thanks alot you guys. I hope I can return the favor someday. I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions before that will be likely, but I'm happy to learn, for now.


Just to make sure I have this right , this does mean that the problem is in the reader in the ignition, right? Not down the line from there. So if I choose to, I replace the ignition switch with newer technology key reader and keys and should have no further problems from there.

If this is true Is this something I should attempt myself, or take it to someone else, now that I can drive it

I've seen discussion about lock smiths. I also have talked to an electrical guy that said he could do it for about $60. Around 2-3 hrs. labor. I assume I don't really want to take it to the dealership.

 

[JonM]

Congradulations...if you decide to change the tumbler it should be A-OK... I see no reason not to change it yourself...You could also tighten up the column while you are at it. Take pictures as you take it apart...makes it easy for you when you put it back togther.

http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/column/tiltcol.html

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/suspension/t_steering.html

Service Bulletin Number: 87-140
Bulletin Sequence Number: 100
Date of Bulletin: 8705
NHTSA Item Number: 91757
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Year: 1986
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT
Summary: INTERMITTENT NO-START CONDITION CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (VATS)-C AUSED BY A DAMAGED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER OR DAMAGED RESISTOR PELLET INSIDE IGNI TION KEY-AN IMPROVED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WITH A NARROWER KEYWAY AND AN IMPROV ED LONGER IGNITION KEY NOW AVAILABLE FROM GMSPO TO REPAIR CONDITION-LOCK CYLINDE R P/N 26008775-ALL 1986-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE MODELS

 

[vigman]

To get a new key assy in the column.

You need 2 special tools to do this ( about $20.00-$30.00 each) So it's a push for cost.
If you do not have your own garage and pro tools..let somebody else do it.

It is the key fingers in the switch that have failed... I would just drive it as is.. and put the $$$$ into other problems / upgrades you need.

Vig!

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks you guys, I was told that some special tools were needed. The electrical guy said he made his own (he didn't offer to show them to me This sounds like a one shot deal, so when I can afford it, I'll just take it to him.

I'll be back in here soon. Thanks agian.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Spend the same $ on a real alarm/immobilizer. Even the most avid GM supporter will agree that the VATS is at best half-hearted in its ability to prevent the theft of your Vette.

With mine I got a button on the fob to open the hatch as well as the doors. When you have your arms full of beer and chips (Chardonnay and brie for you West Coast people) it comes in handy to empty your hands before you have to open the door.

I think when you add up the cost of parts and labor the cost will be close to the same. Then again, maybe I am just jacked-off that extra keys cost $14. each.

 

[Moonunit 451]

JonM, Thanks for the links and suggestion. Fortunately my steering column is tight , so I'm not going to have to go thru that pain for now.

SPANISHVETTS, you mean just go to a strereo place or an alarm shop and get the standard type system with those features, like a Vipor or something? Anyone else like to comment on this as It's going too be a little while before I can do either? By the way, it's beer and chips all the way for me

 

[vigman]

I have a Viper in mine

Auto start feature is nice on those COLD winter days here in So Cal.. I can start the car from my lab ( computer room ) where is nice & cozy..... and 10 min later walk into my car where it's equally toasty ( I set the A/C on defrost & 90 degrees/MAX) and and I only have to spend a few seconds in the 50 degree weather... BRRRRRRRRR.

The alarm also has remote lock & unlock, shock sensor, ultrasonic sensor, back up battery, valet mode... I think it was about $300.00 retail ( at the time).


Vig!

 

[Moonunit 451]

Well Vig, I don't know what "the time" was but I started to check on alarm systems yesterday, and what a joke. You must have installed this thing yourself. These guys were, OK it's $249 installed, BUT then, you'll need this part for the doorlocks for $40, this for the deck for $20, this wiring kit for $20 and about then in the middle of his next "and", I turned on my heel and split.

Sorry about your terrible So.Cal cold snap but I think I can get by without the remote start, thank you. Talk about a wiring nightmare! The wiring for an alarm, door, and deck is definately enough for me. I'm still not sure if buy installing the alarm you guys are advocating not repairing the VATS though. Thanks for the responses and the help

 

[vigman]

The cold snap WAS a joke.

I actually got the alarm from a wrecking yard and ordered the key fob's myself.. and yes I did do the install.

I just remember looking up the retail value of the alarm.. but I do remember it came complete.

And yes the install was a major pain, sorry I sould have been clearer on that! WHOOPS.

As far as the VATS thing goes...IF you are going to do something like the turn signal or replace the wheel...THEN I would re do the vats.. and the alarm DOES have a provision to do this resistor trick.. when a start command is issued.. a relay FIRST closes putting that value across the vats detection lines... the VATS see's the correct key.. and 2 seconds later the start line is enabled..Vroom!

So I suggest if you need brakes..fuel pump..new foam for your seats.. do that first... then fix the VATS correctly!

Vig!

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks vigman, good info on the alarm and the VATS there. It's not going to be a big priority right now, Cristmas just caught up to me BIGTIME:bash I think I'll work on the minor free or inexpensive things I can do for a couple months. All other standard major stuff is in line

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

I really like twisting, soldering, splicing, gluing, testing, etc., etc., etc., so I enjoyed installing the alarm. Mine is an off the shelf euro-brand, it retailed for about $200. Install time was about a fifth of Jim Beam. (That is +/- one Sunday afternoon in human years.) I do not have the ¨auto start¨. If I had it to do over again I would pay the extra bucks, but for the opposite reason. It gets hotter n hell here. If I have to leave the car in the sun I put a Space blanket over the dash and seats. It still takes 10 min. for the car to cool down.

In a past life I was the salesman at the Stereo/Alarm store. You were right to run. The base package pays little or no commission. All of the add-ons pay 50% commission. This does not mean that the salesperson is a bad guy; it is just the nature of the business.

Your best bet is to order one from a reputable merchant and either install it your self or pay a pro to do the job.

If you decide to DIY we will talk you through it.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks SPANISHVETTS! I don't mind the soldering and stuff, but under the confined quarters of this interior over a perfect carpet, it's not for me I'm afraid. I'm a big boy to boot . It's no picnic for me to play around under there. Not great with electrical stuff either. I can follow basic, lead me by the hand stuff but not a lot more. Better with straight mecanical stuff.

I'll tell ya one thing' I can consume some beverages, but a fifth of the big stuff in an afternoon would make me worse than useless

How do you happen to be in Spain? My sister and her hubby spent several years there as linguists in the Navy in the mid 80's, Rhoda. Later guy. Thanks again