C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

85 alarm problem

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Old May 14, 2006 | 12:06 PM
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Default 85 alarm problem

For some reason, my car started setting off the car alarm when I unlock the drivers door and open it. I can shut it off immediatly if I run to the other side of the car and unlock the passenger door. I am guessing it is a lock problem, as it doesn't seem to be recognizing that I am unlocking the door before I open it.

Does anyone have any thoughts before I dig in?
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Old May 14, 2006 | 12:19 PM
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there is an electrical connector clipped onto the back of the lock mechanism inside the door. If you remove the door panel you can see and access it. Sounds like it may be defective or possibly the clip has failed and it fell off.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 12:27 PM
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I have never had this problem on my 85, but I have been inside the door panel a few times and have done some reading up on it.

There is a 2 wire switch behind the lock cylinder on each door, and because the driver side is used so much more, that switch will fail. This is why running around to the pass. side shuts it off. Probably nothing wrong with the alarm system, just the driver door switch.

It is a tight area to work in up in that corner of the door, be patient and remember which retaining clip goes on the top and bottom of the lock linkage rod, they are different from each other. They were a pita to reinstall on the rod and the upper and lower mechanisms.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 12:32 PM
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Ya, I know how much of a PITA that can be, I recently had to fix the passenger side "door opener" linkage, which is the linkage that runs from the door handle down to the actual latch. The top hook broke off and I fabricated up a new one, and I needed my buddy to get it all back together because my hands were too fat!

So is the key lock switch way up by the door handle in the top corner of the door, or is it down by the latch? Like I said, i've been in there but I want to make sure I have a good visual before I get too much apart.

Thanks for you help.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by VtVette
there is an electrical connector clipped onto the back of the lock mechanism inside the door. If you remove the door panel you can see and access it. Sounds like it may be defective or possibly the clip has failed and it fell off.
I got in there and douched it with electrical contact cleaner while moving the lock back and forth. That fixed it.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 85RIT
So is the key lock switch way up by the door handle in the top corner of the door, or is it down by the latch?
It's connected to the back of the lock cylinder at the door handle. Central's fix would be the easiest to try - just take off the door panel and visually check that the connector is still hooked to the lock cylinder (chances are that it is, it probably has not fallen off but you never know). If everything looks OK douche it with electrical contact cleaner and test it. You can leave the door panel off while you test it. If that works simply install the door panel and you're done. If not you're only out the minute it took to test it.

My '85 door panel is off right now. There are two wires leading to the switch - light green and a black. They run right up the back of the door to the door handle.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I got in there and douched it with electrical contact cleaner while moving the lock back and forth. That fixed it.
Had the same problem here....used the same method...Problem solved
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Old May 14, 2006 | 03:35 PM
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Thanks guys. Good thing I know some people with small hands.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 04:26 PM
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The control box for the alarm is behind the breadbox (left side). It is blue and about the size of a deck of cards. Take the dash top off and rip that sucker out of there. No more problems, ever. I know from first hand experience. Your flasher is right there too.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by dmorris
The control box for the alarm is behind the breadbox (left side). It is blue and about the size of a deck of cards. Take the dash top off and rip that sucker out of there. No more problems, ever. I know from first hand experience. Your flasher is right there too.
My dog had a thorn in his paw so I shot him and threw him in a ditch. The dog hasn't had any problems since!
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Old May 14, 2006 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
My dog had a thorn in his paw so I shot him and threw him in a ditch. The dog hasn't had any problems since!
Yes, but did you remove the thorn first....

... man that's cold... if I showed this to my wife, she'd shoot me!!!

GUSTO
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Old May 15, 2006 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
My dog had a thorn in his paw so I shot him and threw him in a ditch. The dog hasn't had any problems since!


Thats pretty funny!
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