A friends vette needs electrical help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136
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From: mohnton pa
A friends vette needs electrical help
I've done searches can't find a thing, his car is a stock 92 lt1, it all started when he went to unlock door and couldn't remove the key.
He doesn't know a thing about cars, he called a locksmith he installed a new lock, he couldn't remove the key either, and said this was his first corvette lock repair.
after that his interior lights stayed on, he took it to a mechanic who charged him $130.00 and couldn't figure out what the problem was, said it probably was the CCM, anyway I was over at his house the other day and I took the door panel off to snoop around found a small c clip inside the bottom of the door, but after checking fsm there is only one and on the back of the lock there was one, the whole handle assemply is loose, does that c clip go somewhere else?
also checked dimmer switch by unpluging it, he had bought another door ajar switch that didn't work either, any ideas, could it be courtesy lamp module? Is there anything associated with the lock mechanism that might cause this? I seen a wire that went from lock to the door switch.
It seem like a short anyway to check? also has a sys light in dash.
I would really like to help my buddy out doesn't have alot of money to just throw at this car or mechanics that don't have a clue! Your help would be appreciated.
He doesn't know a thing about cars, he called a locksmith he installed a new lock, he couldn't remove the key either, and said this was his first corvette lock repair.
after that his interior lights stayed on, he took it to a mechanic who charged him $130.00 and couldn't figure out what the problem was, said it probably was the CCM, anyway I was over at his house the other day and I took the door panel off to snoop around found a small c clip inside the bottom of the door, but after checking fsm there is only one and on the back of the lock there was one, the whole handle assemply is loose, does that c clip go somewhere else?
also checked dimmer switch by unpluging it, he had bought another door ajar switch that didn't work either, any ideas, could it be courtesy lamp module? Is there anything associated with the lock mechanism that might cause this? I seen a wire that went from lock to the door switch.
It seem like a short anyway to check? also has a sys light in dash.
I would really like to help my buddy out doesn't have alot of money to just throw at this car or mechanics that don't have a clue! Your help would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
A defective door key switch can certainly keep the courtesy lights on. The door key switch is a white rotary switch which is mounted to the back of the door lock cylinder. It should have a black and a green wire leading from it to a two pin connector. When removing the door lock assembly the door lock switch must be removed. The switch can come apart very easily and it's tricky to get back together again once it comes apart. My guess is that the locksmith broke the door lock switch when changing the door lock cylinder. The lock switch is secured to the back of the lock cylinder with a "C" clip. I suspect this is the C clip you found in the door.
SYS light is a trouble code set by the CCM to inform you that there is a problem with a circuit (the interior lights in your friends case).
SYS light is a trouble code set by the CCM to inform you that there is a problem with a circuit (the interior lights in your friends case).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: mohnton pa
Sounds like you nailed it! So how do you fix that if it's broke Get a replacement?
Do they sell a replacement switch?
Can I repair the one that's on, I can't find anything in fsm on this switch
Thanks for you help.
Do they sell a replacement switch?
Can I repair the one that's on, I can't find anything in fsm on this switch
Thanks for you help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Unfortunately once they come apart they don't like to go together again. I would plan on purchasing a replacment. You have two choices - new or used. Search "alarm switch" or "Door lock switch" on the Corvette retailers websites (Ecklers, Mid America, Corvette central, etc), you could try Superior chevy or your local chevy dealer (don't know if they are available through GM any more) or you could try a 'vette salvage yard. I just bought a pair of these from Jason at "vette2vette" for my car and they came in excellent condition and about half the price of new. You won't find them at parts stores, they are Vette specific.
For the mean time you can try disconnecting the switch at the two prong connector and close the door and see if that turns the lights out. If it does not try cutting the green and black wire between the two pin connector and the white part that connects to the door lock cylinder (don't worry your new or used switch will include the wiring from the switch to the connector) and connect the two wires together and close the door and see if that turns the lights off. I can't remember if the circuit is open or closed when the switch is in the unlock position.
For the mean time you can try disconnecting the switch at the two prong connector and close the door and see if that turns the lights out. If it does not try cutting the green and black wire between the two pin connector and the white part that connects to the door lock cylinder (don't worry your new or used switch will include the wiring from the switch to the connector) and connect the two wires together and close the door and see if that turns the lights off. I can't remember if the circuit is open or closed when the switch is in the unlock position.
