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1990 C4 Vert Won't Start

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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 05:34 PM
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Default 1990 C4 Vert Won't Start

Hi...been lurking the C4 thread for about a year...now need a little help.

After some heavy rain here in Texas, my C4 vert took on a little water. As far as I can tell, the water covered the bottom seat cushion. Anyway, pulled it out of storage, everything worked fine...sucked all the water out, ran fans in the interior for several days, drive it for about a week then put it back is storage. Now, after 2 weeks, it won't start.

A few details:
- I disable the battery while in storage
- The key won't turn in the door
- The automatic door locks won't work
- When I turn the key, nothing...

I think this may have something to do with the immobilizer, since the key won't work in the door. Although the horn does work, it does not begin to blow when I restore power to the car (it used to prior to the flood).

I've searched the threads on how to disable the immobilizer on the 1990, but could not find anything...I'ts possible I might have missed a thread on this...

Any help is greatly appreciated...
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 05:52 PM
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It was that deep in flood water?........... If so your lucky it ever started the optis don't like getting wet........what do you mean the key won't work in the door?
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
It was that deep in flood water?........... If so your lucky it ever started the optis don't like getting wet........what do you mean the key won't work in the door?
Can't turn the key to the right or left...to far...however, it will turn enough to open the door...don't want to break the key off in the lock!

The automatic door looks won't work...also...the lock, from the inside, won't 'slide' manually...

Can I disable the immobilizer to get 'er started?
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by JetTool
Can't turn the key to the right or left...to far...however, it will turn enough to open the door...don't want to break the key off in the lock!

The automatic door looks won't work...also...the lock, from the inside, won't 'slide' manually...

Can I disable the immobilizer to get 'er started?
so it was flooded in standing water? The vats system will not keep the key from turning. And if the key turns and unlocks your fine there. You have some work to do I would start by cleaning all plugs and grounds.

Last edited by antfarmer2; Jul 4, 2015 at 06:43 PM.
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
so it was flooded in standing water? The vats system will not keep the key from turning. And if the key turns and unlocks your fine there. You have some work to do I would start by cleaning all plugs and grounds.
Right...but am I correct in thinking that the key won't turn the immobilizer off? Or am I off base here?
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by JetTool
Right...but am I correct in thinking that the key won't turn the immobilizer off? Or am I off base here?
What is a immobilzer something you added?
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
What is a immobilzer something you added?
No...

Sorry...but I might be using the wrong term...

Anyway, it disables starting the car if someone tries to steal it...or start it without the proper key...like attempting to start the car without the clutch in...it's the security system for the Vette...

I need to go the storage facility and get the Owners Manual and read up on it so I use the correct term...
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 07:18 PM
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No need that is called the vats system will the light come on with the door open and will the headlights work?
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
No need that is called the vats system will the light come on with the door open and will the headlights work?
Yes...

Could it be something with the clutch? Is there a sensor or switch near the clutch? It won't start without the clutch depressed, right?
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 12:04 AM
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1990 so this car has no optispark. Is it a VATS(vehicle anti theft system) issue? Well that's easy to find out. Put the key in the ON position. Is the SECURITY light steady on? If it is, then yes, it's a VATS issue.
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 02:10 PM
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Yes the security light is on....

Can I disable the vats system?
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 02:21 PM
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ok...

You can try locking both doors. Wait 5 or 10 minutes. I know you've tried this. But it won't hurt to try again. Did you read my thread? I got the ohm value of my key, and bought the correct ohm bypass kit.
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 02:38 PM
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Thanks for the reply ...

I'll give it another try...

Next, I think I'll need to remove the door panels and see why the locks won't work...I imagine the flood /dampness must have damaged the lock mechanism...
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 09:45 PM
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Do you have insurance? Sounds like you should put in a claim and start out fresh with another Corvette.
Once they have been flooded then they are never the same.
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