. That pic was very helpful, thanks. I'm going to try those things.
74 Security System
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
74 Security System
Hi I'm new here and need help with my 74 Stingray. Can anybody tell me a little about how the security system on my 74 Stingray works? This is my first Corvette and I've always wanted one. I bought the car running and when I started moving some ***** and things that where under the steering column the car didn't even start any more, the engine doesn't even turn or anything, the lights and things come on but the car won't start and I need to know if this is part of the security system. Please help
. Thank you
. Thank you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,549
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Won't start!
Hi jordan89 and welcome to the forum. The security system will not stop you from starting your Vette unless there is a short that is draining you battery. First thing to do is bring the battery to the auto parts store and make sure it is good and fully charged, take a look at the negative cable and make sure the end is on tight tight where it connects to the battery then check the other end where it hooks to the frame, remove the cable from the frame clean the connection with a wire brush and secure the cable back to the frame. Then check the positive cable where it connects to the battery, then go to the starter ( on the lower right side of the motor ) and make sure that connection is tight.
On an automatic there is a neutral safety switch that prevents the car from starting in other than P or N, on a stick you must hold the clutch pedal to the floor.
Hpoe that helps. PG.
On an automatic there is a neutral safety switch that prevents the car from starting in other than P or N, on a stick you must hold the clutch pedal to the floor.
Hpoe that helps. PG.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
I am going to check if the neutral safety switch is plugged up and check some more of the wiring. It is a 4 speed manual. I don't know what happen, it was starting right up. Thanks for the help, I'll try those things tomorrow.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
The alarm system is a just a horn activated by switches on the door jambs and the hood. It has nothing to do with ignition. You probably have run into the infamous 1974 seat belt interlock system whereby the car will not start unless the seatbelt is connected. That would be plural if you have a passenger. Most of these nuisances have been disabled but perhaps yours has not. Try (1) connecting the seat belt. If that does not work (2) push in the system re-set button on the firewall, passenger side.
Quote from history:
Also new for 1974 was a federally-mandated interlock system that required the driver and front-seat passenger to fasten their seat belts in order to start the car. This regulation, which was very unpopular with the buying public, was offered only this one year and on some early 1975 models. It was rescinded by Congressional action due to the public uproar.
Quote from history:
Also new for 1974 was a federally-mandated interlock system that required the driver and front-seat passenger to fasten their seat belts in order to start the car. This regulation, which was very unpopular with the buying public, was offered only this one year and on some early 1975 models. It was rescinded by Congressional action due to the public uproar.
Last edited by Paul L; Mar 29, 2009 at 10:15 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,549
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Paul74 good call on the security interlock, I forgot all about that since I went under the seats and unpluged that connection. PG.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
It won't crank if the the clutch pedal is not firmly against the floor.
Last edited by Mike Ward; Mar 29, 2009 at 02:46 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Let us now if you sorted this out. Info/solutions are valuable to other 1974 owners for this unique and one-year bizarre federal legislation on 1974 vehicles. You sit on a seat and the car won't start??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
GOT IT
. It was the belts that were causing the problem. All I did was disconnect the plug at the bottom of the driver seat, for the belts, and it started right up, well not really because the battery was low, but the engine turned over. I did try to turn the car on when I buckled both the belts but it didn't turn on, I don't know why, so I just unplugged that belt sensor and it turned on.
. It was the belts that were causing the problem. All I did was disconnect the plug at the bottom of the driver seat, for the belts, and it started right up, well not really because the battery was low, but the engine turned over. I did try to turn the car on when I buckled both the belts but it didn't turn on, I don't know why, so I just unplugged that belt sensor and it turned on.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 7
From: Space Coast Florida
I don't know if they where meant to do this or if my seat belt sensors are getting smarter over the years but if you just keep the belt buckled and try to turn the car over it knows it was buckled from the last time and denies you.. It's a real pain..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 837
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Here's a link having to do with the interlock system that might be helpful to 74 owners.
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page16.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~vettfixr/page16.htm
