don't know much

[john54981]

I've had my Vette for about 1 month. I didn't get an owners manual and there are a few things I would like to know. I hope that they don't sound like stupid questions to you long-time owners.
How do you turn on the security system? Should I use regular or premium gas?

 

[Ken]

Welcome To The Corvette Action Center john54981!

This from the 1987 Corvette Owner's Manual:

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to operate on premium grade unleaded fuel. However, with the elctronic spark control system, you may use regular unleaded fuel at slightly reduced acceleration performance.

Your engine is designed to use unleaded fuel that meets ASTM specifications. Unleaded fuel must be used for the emission control system to operate properly. Use of fuels not meeting ASTM specifications could cause poor performance and increase emissions. The use of good quality fuels containing proper detergent additives is advised for good performance and emission control.

Damage caused by the use of unleaded or other improper fuel is not covered by the New Vehicle and Emission Control Systems Warranties. The effectiveness of the catalytic converter decreases after use of as little as one tank of leaded fuel. Also, your car has the Computer Command Control system, which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded fuel will damage the sensor, and deteriorate emission control. (For more information, see "Computer Command Control System" in Section 5.)

There is more concerning how to identify fuel octane ratings at the pump as well as alcohols and methanols, etc., but I don't think we want to go into that now.

As for the security system...

VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT
Your Corvette is equipped with a Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS) that augments the existing Electronic Theft Deterent System. An identifying feature of this system is the resistor pellet imbedded in the ignition key. This pellet has a specific resistance that must match the electrical resistance of a decoder mounted in your vehicle in order to start your vehicle's engine. Therefore, your ignition key must be clean and dry before inserting it in the lock cylinder.

If the pellet is contaminated the engine may fail to start (no sound from the starter). Should this occur you must wait four (4) minutes before trying to restart the engine. Also, check VATS fuse listed in Section 6.

After two attempts the vehicle fails to start and waiting period has elapsed, try a second key (three are provided); if the vehicle starts, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your Chevrolet Dealer or a locksmith that is equipped to service the VATS system. (Ed. note: I just have to chuckle at that! :L) If the fault is with the lock cylinder or other ignition components, see your Chevrolet Dealer.

From the DOOR LOCKS section:

The door locks also activate the Theft Deterent system. Locking the doors from the outside with the oval-head key WILL NOT arm the system. The doors must be locked with the optional power door lock switch or both manual door lock levers. Unlocking the door with the oval-head key disarms the system.

The security light in the instrument cluster is part of the Theft Deterent system and acts as a reminder to arm the system. (See Theft Deterent and Security Light information in Section 2 of this manual.)

Well, I've given you a start eh?

 

[Colorado]

Good start, Ken ...

john54981 - If you want to explore further, here's a link to where you can order both your owner's manual and a shop manual: http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result....word=&mscsid=RACJ766JRE5M9LTDND8LEXVE2MTGEJ82

If the link doesn't work, start out at URL www.helminc.com. ...

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no connection with Helm ...

 

[john54981]

Thanks, I know enough not to use leaded gas(I don't think you can even get it anymore). I meant regular or prem. unleaded. It runs OK on regular, but I hear ping if I lug the engine up a hill.I'll use premium in it.
I knew about the VATS. I wanted to know how the door lock alarm was turned on. I'll try to do it like you said. I live in a small town, and I don't even lock the doors on my cars anyway. If we have visit the ghetto in Chicago sometime, we can take the wife's car.John