Installing GM VKE 1000 Keyless Entry on '90 C$ (connectors?)

[Spinman]

I've been reading all of the various postings and sources regarding the retrofit installatin of keyless entry systems and am close to biting the bullet.

I like the VKE1000 system mainly because the remote FOB's are in the generic GM shape (and the fact that others have already installed the system on their vehicles).


I am concerned about the large number of wires that need to be cut and spliced inorder to install the system. With a bad back, I can't live under the dash and dislike the thought of cutting into the factory harness.

Others have commented that the majority of leads needed can be found at the command control module.

That way, I could build an extention harness for the modules, plugging the extention into the module and the factory harness into the extention. The necessary leads for the VKE1000 could be spliced into the extention harness I would build - while on my workshop bench.

I know the expensive remote entry packages previously available on the market advertized "plug and play" compatability - with only a wire to two to cut. I'd like to reinvent such a system by building my own harness - and need to obtain the necessary connectors to make it a possibility...

Looking through the shop manual for the '90 - it appears that there are two wiring harnesses that plug into the central control module: White Connector (WC) #12045470 and Grey Connector (GC) #12045537. Don't know if the male / female connectors are available for purchase.

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions -

 

[Magmotor]

I put both part numbers in GM parts direct.com and both came up. The GC says it is the connector for the instrument panel. The other just says connector. Both are under $3. Sounds like an interesting project.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Thise connectors that bolt plug into the CCm are female, there are no male connectors to direct connect to wires. Basically you will need a donor CCM for the Male connections.

I like your idea. When I installed my VKE1000 I did it right near the passenger door. I think the only wires that need to be cut were the the Power door lock wires, I just tapped into the rest.

 

[Spinman]

I think the two part #'s I supplied are for nearly identical female connectors. From what I can tell, the only difference is in the coloring, used to differentiate the harnesses.

I contacted the customer service department at GMpartsDirect.com two days ago to see if they could discover if the male connector exists and if available - have yet to hear back. I'm operating under the assumption that it will not be available.

They did tell me that the VKE 1000 was now listed under a new part # (wonder what changed that GM had to issue a revised part #)? I see the old part # is still advertised on some web sites - so maybe I should spring for the new part#...

Jeff - when you say you tapped the rest of the connections - what did you end up doing - using something like a 3M tap splice? What did you tap into - specific component leads, or just further down the bundle in the wiring harness? Did you mount the control unit anywhere is particular - or just tuck it up and away under the dash?

 

[-=Jeff=-]

I think the two part #'s I supplied are for nearly identical female connectors. From what I can tell, the only difference is in the coloring, used to differentiate the harnesses.

I contacted the customer service department at GMpartsDirect.com two days ago to see if they could discover if the male connector exists and if available - have yet to hear back. I'm operating under the assumption that it will not be available.

They did tell me that the VKE 1000 was now listed under a new part # (wonder what changed that GM had to issue a revised part #)? I see the old part # is still advertised on some web sites - so maybe I should spring for the new part#...

Jeff - when you say you tapped the rest of the connections - what did you end up doing - using something like a 3M tap splice? What did you tap into - specific component leads, or just further down the bundle in the wiring harness? Did you mount the control unit anywhere is particular - or just tuck it up and away under the dash?

Yes, Same female connector but each has the keyed tabs in a different spot, so you don't plug them in the wrong spot.

As for the Part #, I know GM changed a lot of the part #s but the parts themselves did not change. Both VKE1000 (different Part #) should be the same price.

Yeah, when i tapped I did something similar to the 3m Tap splice, but instead I trimmed the insulation, Soldered my wire on and then taped it with electrical tape.

I also did not mount the unit, but I think I zip-tied it to a wiring bundle under the pass side.

 

[Magmotor]

Here is a step by step instalation that is on an '86 but sure has some good info on it.
http://batee.com/corvette/keylessentry/index.shtml

You might try a vette boneyard for the ECM connectors on the board. Tell em you want a dead one....should be cheap....