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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 02:59 PM
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Default key in fender

I just bought a 74 Vette. Although I had a 75 Vette years ago I never really knew what the key switch by the Stingray emblem did. I thought it was security but what exactly does it do when switched? Thanks!
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 03:16 PM
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It just arms the theft deterrent horn. Open a door or the hood when it's on and a horn honks. Maybe the lights flash. On my 77 they do not.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 03:17 PM
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I have a 74 coupe. The previous owner told me it was to turn on/off the car alarm.

My alarm has never worked so I am not 100% sure but do remember reading that in one of the manuals I have too.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by TimAT
It just arms the theft deterrent horn. Open a door or the hood when it's on and a horn honks. Maybe the lights flash. On my 77 they do not.
Yes.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 03:29 PM
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There must be something wrong with mine. I turn the switch and I can hear what sounds like a relay clicking from somewhere under the battery area. Any ideas what this might be?
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 03:36 PM
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Probably a relay for the alarm. Look under the back of car dr. side for the alarm horn. You could have a bad connection. If all looks good, tapping on it may get it going.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 04:26 PM
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The relay for the horn, on the 74 I have, is under the console front of the shift lever. The horn is mounted behind the drivers' side rear tire.
As Ganey pointed out, it's good bet the horn diaphragm is stuck. tapping may pop it loose.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 04:42 PM
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I have a 75 and according to my Haynes repair manual the 74 does not have a starter disconnect...that appears to have been added in 75...so at least you don't have to worry about getting stranded. The alarm system is tied to the interior lights through the door jamb switches, so I guess the interior might flash.

You should get yourself an Assembly and Installation Manual (AIM) for a 74...it will show you where the alarm system components are located. A complete wiring diagram is also a good idea...the Haynes repair manual has the best one I've seen...it does show the wiring for the 73 alarm system which looks like is also the same for the 74. An owners manual is also a good place to see what the ***** and stuff do.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 05:01 PM
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If it is the horn clicking that brings on another issue. It happens as soon as I turn on the switch which means if the horn was working it would be sounding. What triggers the system to sound? BTW thanks to everyone for the info!
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 05:13 PM
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
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Relay ticking- not the horn, relay triggers alarm horn.
see TimAT & my previous posts.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 05:38 PM
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If there is a switch problem like even a drooping door, the system would be triggered.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 10:27 PM
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One of my door ajar switches is bad on my 76. Everytime I try to set the alarm it goes off because the switch says the door is open even when it is closed. Is your door ajar light on the center dash on all the time? If not that then the switch for the hood could be bad.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 10:41 PM
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Yep. It sounds like you have two problems. Your relay is ticking because one of the switches that triggers the alarm is grounding out and the horn isn't blowing because it is either broken or the wiring to it is broken.
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 11:41 AM
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Makes sense. The drivers door has some hinge play that allows a slight droop. Thanks all!
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