cam--

My 1987 corvette is refusing to start occasionly. It has become more frequent lately. When I get in the car after is locked, i turn the key, console lights up but engine doesnt kick at all. No matter how many times I try. If I go away for a couple of minutes and then come back it fires up first go. The car normally fires up first go.

I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue? Is it security related? Maybe it is because my key is old and mungy, it looks like the original key from 17 years ago.


cam

onedef92

Yeah, it COULD be a VATS issue....

scorp508

VATS resets itself after 10 minutes so yes it is probably your key or the VATS part inside the tumbler. I'd take a pencil eraser and rub it on the resistor on your key and see if that helps. If it doesn't then wipe some rubbing alcohol on the key and insert it into the tumbler a few times.

A new VATS ignition key will cost ~$25 at a GM dealer. Might be good just to have another one if you only have 1 key now.

JSA 007

:iagree: That problem has VATS written all over it :crazy: :crazy:

:cheers:

cam--

Thanks fella's, I'm off to get new keys cut.

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RestoVette

I agree with those who say it sounds like a VATS issue. I regularly had the same exact problem on an '86 until I got in the habit of ALWAYS wiping both sides of the key with my shirt or kleenex before inserting the key into the ignition. It NEVER failed after I started wiping the key every time before I started the car.

Apparently, even a VERY minute trace of sweat or body oils or whatever from your hands can increase the surface resistance of the key, making the VATS system think it is the wrong key. When the "wrong" key is inserted, the the security system starts the 3-4 minute delay.

Note that a "new" key will only solve the problem until you handle the key surfaces again.

As I remember, GM alleviated this problem in later C4's by putting in higher pressure contacts in the ignition key receptacle.





[Modified by RestoVette, 1:41 AM 2/21/2004]

vinnies87

There's an upgrade ign setup for your year...and get another key made and find out the resistor code #... nice to have.... :thumbs:

cam--

Good idea. Thanks. I got two new keys cut, they were $27.50 each. They were really tight when going into the tumbler. The little protruding metal on my old keys was worn down to the plastic. I havent had an issue with the new keys yet, but your suggestion is a good habit to get into.

Thanks again to all those who replied with suggestions. It is appreciated.

cam