Don't get a '90!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: Mount Laurel NJ
Don't get a '90!
I have a '90, and it's in the shop getting fixed up to pass inspection. The airbag light was on, so i figured it would be something simple to fix like reconnecting a broken wire. Oh No! It could never be that simple!
It turns out there's this thing in there I had never heard of called a DERM. It's the backup power supply for the airbag. Mine's broken, and apparently it's not just a power supply, it's a whole computer. And it can never be rebooted. So I have to get a new one.
Not only that, but this part was only put into the 1990 model! So it's really hard to find. A new one costs like a gazillion dollars, so some guy at a Corvette graveyard is going around looking for a used one that's still good enough to go into my car.
So far they've already shipped two DERMs to the shop where my car is, and both of them were already broken. Right now we're working on number three. so keep your fingers crossed.
If it had been a '91, the DERM would be rebootable. If it had been an '89, it would have been easy to find a replacement. i can't imagine why they stopped putting this part in the car! [sarcasm]
So yeah, don't buy a '90 Corvette unless you like finding out about stupid parts that fail with age and are impossible to replace.
It turns out there's this thing in there I had never heard of called a DERM. It's the backup power supply for the airbag. Mine's broken, and apparently it's not just a power supply, it's a whole computer. And it can never be rebooted. So I have to get a new one.
Not only that, but this part was only put into the 1990 model! So it's really hard to find. A new one costs like a gazillion dollars, so some guy at a Corvette graveyard is going around looking for a used one that's still good enough to go into my car.
So far they've already shipped two DERMs to the shop where my car is, and both of them were already broken. Right now we're working on number three. so keep your fingers crossed.
If it had been a '91, the DERM would be rebootable. If it had been an '89, it would have been easy to find a replacement. i can't imagine why they stopped putting this part in the car! [sarcasm]
So yeah, don't buy a '90 Corvette unless you like finding out about stupid parts that fail with age and are impossible to replace.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: Mount Laurel NJ
Originally Posted by Ruby Fan
I don't think airbags were required until '93, so if your '90 has one, it was optional. If it was optional, would it be required for inspection?? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
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If it were my car, I'd get a service manual, and make sure I understand exactly what the shop is doing and why... just to make sure their not inventing parts to charge me for, or adding and extra hour or six on their labor bill.... but then, that's just me
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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St. Jude Donor '07-'10
All 90 models had problems with the airbag light staying on as well as the tachometer reading off by several hundred and in many cases several thousand rpm. That aside, there is a tech tip in the archives here that explains how to get rid of and fix the airbag light. It takes me about 45 minutes if I take my time and I have never ever seen any other problem but this one cause the airbag light to stay on in a 90.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=46&TopicID=2
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=46&TopicID=2
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
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From: eville in
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
If it were my car, I'd get a service manual, and make sure I understand exactly what the shop is doing and why... just to make sure their not inventing parts to charge me for, or adding and extra hour or six on their labor bill.... but then, that's just me
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: pa
Originally Posted by XFIRED
Man, and I thought I was having problems.
That would explain all the bad computers.
I agree that it sounds like the ground.
Print the tip and give it to the repair guy.
Last edited by Zproud; Sep 29, 2004 at 10:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
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From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
If it were my car, I'd get a service manual, and make sure I understand exactly what the shop is doing and why... just to make sure their not inventing parts to charge me for, or adding and extra hour or six on their labor bill.... but then, that's just me
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I would get a GM Shop Manual and find a way to disable the air bag and put the light out. If concerned with safety, install a 5-pt harness.
BTW, if it were an '89 you wouldn't have the problem and you would have a tele-wheel...the main reason that I prefer '89 to '90 or '91 L98s.
BTW, if it were an '89 you wouldn't have the problem and you would have a tele-wheel...the main reason that I prefer '89 to '90 or '91 L98s.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Sorry you're having trouble with your 90. I've had mine for over 4 years now and I love it. I've fixed small things on it for sure but not enough to condem the whole model year. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Life's tough, wear a helmet.
Originally Posted by Ruby Fan
I don't think airbags were required until '93, so if your '90 has one, it was optional. If it was optional, would it be required for inspection??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: Mount Laurel NJ
Originally Posted by Dr. Evil
All 90 models had problems with the airbag light staying on as well as the tachometer reading off by several hundred and in many cases several thousand rpm. That aside, there is a tech tip in the archives here that explains how to get rid of and fix the airbag light. It takes me about 45 minutes if I take my time and I have never ever seen any other problem but this one cause the airbag light to stay on in a 90.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=46&TopicID=2
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=46&TopicID=2
this is the only mechanic i've taken the car to who hasn't screwed it up yet. i don't know anything about repairing cars, and I don't have the time or the patience to learn. so i don't really have much choice but to trust this guy. the whole reason i took it to the shop in the first place was because i'm thinking of getting rid of it, and i wanted to get it in good enough condition so i can enjoy it for another year or so and then sell it....
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 388
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From: somewherein Ar
Originally Posted by joecaver
Sorry you're having trouble with your 90. I've had mine for over 4 years now and I love it. I've fixed small things on it for sure but not enough to condem the whole model year. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by joecaver
Sorry you're having trouble with your 90. I've had mine for over 4 years now and I love it. I've fixed small things on it for sure but not enough to condem the whole model year. Good luck.
thats for sure Love my so much I committed to it forever, therefore modified the crap out of it 