1987 Corvette ignition key security

[Ray G.]

Hello;
Looking for a source for a resistor assortment to bypass the ignition key security problem.
Occasionally we need to wait 2-5 minutes before engine will turn.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank YOU in advance.
Ray

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Hello;
Looking for a source for a resistor assortment to bypass the ignition key security problem.
Occasionally we need to wait 2-5 minutes before engine will turn.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank YOU in advance.
Ray

Ray------

You don't need an assortment. Simply measure the resistance of the pellet on your current ignition key and order the correct resistor. You can also make up a resistor with resistors from an electronics store. However, the below are more convenient.

http://overridemotorsports.com/Vats

[Ray G.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thank YOU Joe.
Was tipped off to a kit on line for less than $4. shipped.
Your help is appreciated.
Ray

[Ray G.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Hello Joe;
Just an update. Found out by using a actually "key resistance" reader the resistor area of the key was worn, causing the VATS system to not read the resistance on a consistent basis.
Thanks for your help, as always.
Ray

[Ken A.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Use a pencil eraser to clean the key.

[Ray G.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thanks Ken.
Turns out the resistor contacts wore down to the point they would only contact the VATS contacts in the ignition key lock assembly occasionally.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Hello Joe;
Just an update. Found out by using a actually "key resistance" reader the resistor area of the key was worn, causing the VATS system to not read the resistance on a consistent basis.
Thanks for your help, as always.
Ray

Ray------


You don't actually need a special key resistance reader. You can do it with a plain 'ol VOM, It's very easy. Just put the meter on resistance, zero it, and place the probes on either side of the resistance "pellet". Then, read the resistance value.

[Keith B.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Is this the same for 94 as well. Mine does this ever so often. Today I could not start it for about 15 mins. Until it reset it self

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Is this the same for 94 as well. Mine does this ever so often. Today I could not start it for about 15 mins. Until it reset it self

Keith------


Yes, exactly the same for 1994. If the problem is intermittent, it's likely the key or the sensor in the lock cylinder. If the car won't start, at all, it's likely either that the sensor has completely failed or the wires from the lock cylinder have broken. The latter can occur if work is done in the steering column in the area of the lock cylinder and the wires are not routed exactly properly.

[Keith B.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thanks Joe. Is the parts beside the key still available

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thanks Joe. Is the parts beside the key still available

Keith------


The VATS sensor is integral with the lock cylinder. The lock cylinders are as follows:

GM #26033387-------6 speed

GM #26033390-------auto trans

The above are supplied with a key. Whether they can be re-keyed to use the existing key, I do not know. Also, if the key supplied with the lock cylinder is used and the pellet resistance is different than the original key (which is likely), I don't know how the computer is re-configured to accept the new resistance value.

[Keith B.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thanks again.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Thanks again.

Keith------


I recall how this works now. The new lock cylinder is supplied with a key but the key is only used for key-cutting purposes, not for use in the car. After the lock cylinder is installed, key blanks of the original resistance value need to be purchased. Then, using the key supplied with the lock cylinder, the key blanks are cut. Now, one has keys with the correct cut AND the correct VATS resistance value to start the car.

Whether the new lock cylinder can be re-coded to enable it to use the original key, I do not know.

[Bill H.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Keith------


I recall how this works now. The new lock cylinder is supplied with a key but the key is only used for key-cutting purposes, not for use in the car. After the lock cylinder is installed, key blanks of the original resistance value need to be purchased. Then, using the key supplied with the lock cylinder, the key blanks are cut. Now, one has keys with the correct cut AND the correct VATS resistance value to start the car.

Whether the new lock cylinder can be re-coded to enable it to use the original key, I do not know.

Yep, that's how it's done.

The first thing to do is clean the key pellet on the key (alcohol works). This only helps once in a while.

Usually it's the lock cylinder, the C4 cylinders get some wear and tend to loosen up, the gap will widen between the lock bezel and the steering column will widen and you can loose contact between the sensor and the key pellet. If it gets loose enough, you'll also loose the chimes.

If you want just a new key, a good lock shop usually has them in stock. But they're pricy - $35 -$40 per key to have the resistance checked and the blank cut.

[Bill H.]

Re: 1987 Corvette ignition key security

Is this the same for 94 as well. Mine does this ever so often. Today I could not start it for about 15 mins. Until it reset it self

IIRC, the FSM states 10 minutes to reset the timer, I usually wait 15.
Note: If you try and restart before the 10 minute minimum, you will reset the timer and have to wait another 10.