Original Car Alarm

[wichitacorvette]

From how it is on current GM cars you just hit the power door lock after youve turned the ignition off. i think there's a time limit but on my mom's 90 grand prix and my 96 camaro, as long as i hit the power lock button within about a minute it "set"

not sure if an outer key lock would set it, i know there is a sensor on the key cylinder so maybe it does?

(now i want to know.........)

 

[HammerDown]

Thanks>>>

I thought ya had to use the key to activate the alarm...I'll go experiment....seems like sometimes it will go off and and other times it wont. Wish I could fine my old Owners Manual.

 

[gliot1]

On a '78 the only way to activate the alarm is to lock the door manually by turning the key to the left. It is probably the same on all after '76 or '75, as before that it was a seperate key switch on the fender.

 

[Classicvette63]

The alarm on my '75 was about as frigged up as a football bat. I figured the car should have intermitent wipers since it had an intermitent alarm. Could've been worse, I could've had a f*rd with intermitent engine and transmission.

The last time we worked on it, I recieved a "slight tingle" in my right hand and I decided I really didn't need an alarm. Classic

 

[L82Dan]

I don't really thing that just locking the doors with the power lock switch will set the factory alarm on 80-82 Corvettes. If that were true, then it would be a simple task for a auto thief to turn it off just by forcing the door open and then unlocking it by hitting the switch. Not too foolproof. Yes, I do feel that you must set the alarm by inserting the key into the driver's door and turning the key to the left I believe. The reverse procedure disarms it You have to remember that the use of electronics was not as big as it is today in those areas. It is true that for cars of 1996 era and up, you can set the factory alarm by just hitting the power door lock switch or using the key fob button. I have a 1996 Camaro RS and that's how it works. I am surprise that someone has not gotten out their owners manual to find out what the procedure is. I guess these things get lost or didn't come with the cars bought from others. The answer might even be in the stock dealer brochure for that model year. Just guessing on that one.

 

[nstg8r]

I don't really thing that just locking the doors with the power lock switch will set the factory alarm on 80-82 Corvettes. If that were true, then it would be a simple task for a auto thief to turn it off just by forcing the door open and then unlocking it by hitting the switch.

The problem with that statement is, it can be turned on that way but not off. I have tested mine and it turns on with the power lock but if you try to unlock it with the power lock and get in the alarm goes off. You have to unlock it with the key to disarm it.

 

[L82Dan]

Well, then I stand corrected.

 

[ironmoo]

Mine seems to have a life of it's own and arms/goes off when ever she feels like it. Some combo between the doorlocks, t-tops and key latch on the driver door makes it work. Very rare but at times it's like playing Russian Roulette when I go to open my either door it will trigger the alarm.

It gives the car character I guess.

Been to the chevy dealer twice and they gave up on it too. So went and installed an aftermarket alarm.... but paid very close to details to maintain the stock look.

 

[81kix]

For almost two years my alarm did not work, simple fix 10 amp Fuse.
I checked the fuse panel, no fuse inserted, put one in and poof like magic alarm works.

 

[nstg8r]

I'm glad someone out there had an easy corvette electrical fix... you sir are THE ONE!!

For almost two years my alarm did not work, simple fix 10 amp Fuse.
I checked the fuse panel, no fuse inserted, put one in and poof like magic alarm works.

 

[81kix]

I'm glad someone out there had an easy corvette electrical fix... you sir are THE ONE!!

Thank you, I did not know I had a sex change :confused :L
81kix aka Janine

 

[nstg8r]

Haha sorry about that... I just assumed and didn't look any further.

Thank you, I did not know I had a sex change :confused :L
81kix aka Janine

 

[craig32]

arming an '81 alarm

According to the owner's manual, to arm the alarm system you use the power lock switch. To disarm, unlock the driver's door with the key. Also the power lock switch disarms it. The key in the passenger's door will set it off! I'm assuming if it goes off, the switch won't disarm it - you'd need the key. I had to replace the power lock pigtail on the driver's door, followed by the switch on the passenger's door. After replacing both horns, then the relay. Also, I might add - if you do not have a working alarm, in a car that comes with one - if it is stolen the insurance company might not want to pay up. THAT is a risk I'm not willing to take! Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Craig

 

[pttsls5]

I repaired by fixing the alarm wires in the drivers side wheel well ( inside the frame bolt cover) . They had shorted together from heat/rubbing.Probably from too many burnouts!!!!!

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

Mine has worked on my vette since the day I bought it..back in 87. No problems..when I would lock the car with the power lock..it was armed and to dis-arm..I would manually unlock the drivers side lock and this would disarm it if it went off. Nice system when it works properly..saved my t tops one time..will never forget it. Joe..peace <*))))><

 

[JJS]

The guy that owned my '71 LT-1 before me had a full frame-off restoration done on it, but believe it or not, that's the one thing I've never tried to run since I've owned the car......well, that and checking the spare tire. Don't ask me why, I just never bothered to try the alarm, or check out the spare.

I guess the fact that I don't have a lot of time to burn has something to do with it. I store the car in a facility about 15 miles away from my home, and when I have it, I want to spend as much time as I can behind the wheel, or detailing it.

 

[twamd80driver]

Mine has worked since I bought it!

 

[KANE]

Actually I haven't done either -- yet. Very soon I'll be buying an aftermarket alarm (part of a Christmas present) and then I'll be looking in to fixing the factory alarm. I'll probably never ever use the factory alarm, but I want as much as possible to be working on my car, as was originally intended!

Oh, and for those who say their car is secure in their garage -- what about when you go out? Do you never leave your car parked someplace?!

jmp- I wanted to do the same thing- install an aftermarket alarm. I wanted to go with a keyless entry system and do the whole system right.

 

[ed_in_pa]

The alarm on my '76 is still functioning.

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

nstg8r: Try this..lock the car with the power locks and close the door..give it a few..when I did this I was away from my car..and had the t tops off. Anyhow I approached the car and did not have my keys on me..so I reached down through the drivers side t top opening..(t top off) and unlocked the door and when I opened it from the outside..the alarm sounded.. I had to run back and get the keys..turn the the drivers side door lock to dis arm the alarm. Also with your question about the car starting with the alarm armed..yes it will, the trick is to try and start it with the alarm sounding..once the alarm is tripped..the starter interupt is activated and no juice to the starter will flow..until you manually go and turn the drivers side lock to dis arm the alarm. I keep going back to the drivers side lock..because I have not tried to dis arm the alarm with the passenger side lock..who is over on that side anyhow..don't know if that side would work also..Thanks Joe!