1980 Door Key Switch Wires -
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Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 82
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From: Richmond, Virginia
1980 Door Key Switch Wires -
Rebuilding my inner doors and such I came across my key lock switch for the door and it has two pretty thin wires going to it. I figured they go to either an alarm system or the help actuate the door lock actuator BUT if they do that then why is the door key switch mechanically linked to the door handle to unlock the latch?
The manual doesnt help, can you guys shed some light on this?
tia,
ken
The manual doesnt help, can you guys shed some light on this?
tia,
ken
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
I believe they activate and deactivate the alarm system.
Up till early 1977, the Corvette alarm system was operated by a key switch installed in the body, during the 77 model year control of the alarm was made part of the driver's side door key lock. To arm the alarm on an 80 Corvette you lock the driver's door with the key, to disarm use the key to unlock the driver's door.
Up till early 1977, the Corvette alarm system was operated by a key switch installed in the body, during the 77 model year control of the alarm was made part of the driver's side door key lock. To arm the alarm on an 80 Corvette you lock the driver's door with the key, to disarm use the key to unlock the driver's door.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 503
Likes: 66
From: Florida
Gbvette62 is correct, those wires are used for activating and deactivating the factory alarm. On my 81 I just eliminated the factory alarm and installed a Viper alarm with remote lock and unlock for the doors. No need to rip out any original factory wiring and controls, just tap into the main alarm wiring and bypass a few other factory alarm features, and disconnect the factory alarm module. No more key required to lock or unlock the doors 😀. You can buy the alarm kit and additional door lock relay for under a hundred bucks.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 82
Likes: 12
From: Richmond, Virginia
Gbvette62 is correct, those wires are used for activating and deactivating the factory alarm. On my 81 I just eliminated the factory alarm and installed a Viper alarm with remote lock and unlock for the doors. No need to rip out any original factory wiring and controls, just tap into the main alarm wiring and bypass a few other factory alarm features, and disconnect the factory alarm module. No more key required to lock or unlock the doors 😀. You can buy the alarm kit and additional door lock relay for under a hundred bucks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
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From: Shamong, NJ
In 1980 there are alarm switches built into both rear t-top receivers in the targa bar, one on a bracket at the firewall for the hood and both door courtesy light switches (the switches located between the door hinges) also function as door alarm switches. There is also a controller, I believe located in the jack compartment behind the passenger seat (though 79 it was a relay under the console, but I think it was moved to the jack compartment in 80, I know it's there in 81). The 80 alarm system is pretty simple, when the alarm is set and a door or hood is opened or a top is removed, the car's horn will sound (the 80 alarm didn't have a separate horn, but instead utilized the car's horn).
Plain and simple, that pretty much describes the 1980 alarm system. It became much more involved in 81 when a stater interrupt feature was added and the passenger door switch and power lock switches became part of the system for arming and disarming the alarm.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/80-shop...caAvOcEALw_wcB
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 503
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From: Florida
Here’s a link to a thread on the forum showing a 1980 alarm wiring diagram.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-system-2.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,500
Likes: 1,508
From: Little Rock AR
The factory alarm is problematic. You can fix it and make it work for a while but it is a real pain to live with. Goes off on false alarm,....you can't get it to stop....
Just go to the fuse box and pull the fuse out. DONE!
Just go to the fuse box and pull the fuse out. DONE!
