vats ignition key on 1986

[ed holzer]

I have been having trouble with the ignitin key. I t is the one with the computer chip in it. the problem seems to be getting worse lately , the owners manual describes this as a dirty key. any way to clean the inside of the steering column gm offer anything. you have to wait like three minutes before you can try it again , and I always wipe the key off before I put it in. Any help would be appreciated. thanks ed shenry@velocity.net

[Joe Peplinski]

Re: vats ignition key on 1986

Ed,

'86 Vettes are known for VATS key problems. I think there were some problems with the keys, but the biggest part of the problem was the design of the contacts inside the ignition switch, which can hang up and not contact the resistor pellet in the key at all when the ley is inserted. The later year Vettes had redesigned contacts inside the ignition switch to eliminate this problem. All replacement ignition switches have the redesigned contacts. A new ignition switch was the way I solved the VATS problem on my '86 several years ago. Of course this change will also get you new keys as well.

The bottom line is that I doubt that your problem is just dirty contacts inside the switch, but I will watch to see if anyone has had success resolving this type of problem by cleaning the contacts. Good Luck.

Joe

[Joe Peplinski]

Re: vats ignition key on 1986

Ed,

'86 Vettes are known for VATS key problems. I think there were some problems with the keys, but the biggest part of the problem was the design of the contacts inside the ignition switch, which can hang up and not contact the resistor pellet in the key at all when the ley is inserted. The later year Vettes had redesigned contacts inside the ignition switch to eliminate this problem. All replacement ignition switches have the redesigned contacts. A new ignition switch was the way I solved the VATS problem on my '86 several years ago. Of course this change will also get you new keys as well.

The bottom line is that I doubt that your problem is just dirty contacts inside the switch, but I will watch to see if anyone has had success resolving this type of problem by cleaning the contacts. Good Luck.

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: vats ignition key on 1986

Joe----

You are correct; 1986 Corvettes had faulty VATS-integrated ignition locks. Replacement with the improved design is the only reliable fix. I believe that this improved cylinder and lock assembly is GM #26033390, but confirm this before purchase.

[Joe L.]

Re: vats ignition key on 1986

Joe----

You are correct; 1986 Corvettes had faulty VATS-integrated ignition locks. Replacement with the improved design is the only reliable fix. I believe that this improved cylinder and lock assembly is GM #26033390, but confirm this before purchase.