a few weeks ago my alternator gave out as it stopped charging the batt, i replaced it with another one though with higher amperage. at first it ran and work fine the next day i woke up to find the battery drained. so i recharged it then ran it around for about an hour parked it and locked it. its been parked for 2 days and later today i noticed the security light on the panel, i tried starting it and nothing, the security light was still on and usually it would turn off after turning the ignition. so i locked and unlocked it with the key to turn off the security but its still dont want to turn off and now i think its draining the batt. does the 84' vette have VATS or is it the new alternator, is there any way to bypass or turn off the security?

 

No VATS on an 84. Have you checked the battery voltage ??

 

battery voltage is at 11.5, though i disconnected the bat from fear of another drainage.

 

Sounds like your security module might be starting to malfunction. They are located under the dash/ passenger side. I unplugged mine when the same thing started to happen.

 

so the security module is causing the battery to be drainged. when unplugging it what am i looking for? i know you said under the dash/passenger side, is there anyway to get this fixed? and if so would i want to get it fixed.

 

The only fix I know of is to replace it with a new one. Then can be purchased through some of the supporting vendors. There pretty cheap

 

There is no VATS system on the '84, but there IS a Theft Deterrent System. The FSM would be the best way to learn how it works and to trouble shoot it.

RACE ON!!!

 

My battery was not actually draining. The alarm system has a starter kill on it. You will have interior lights, but when you try to crank, it will do nothing. Every so often my module would work properly, and the car would start. It was very infrequent. I disconnected the module since i have an aftermarket system anyway. I have not had any other issues.

I guess I would say - test the battery for power with a meter. If the meter says its dead - then maybe the module isnt the problem. Based off you initial description, it matched my problems exactly.

Hope this helps.

 

yup its the same problem, interior lights are on, but engine wont crank and the security light is on and not flickering, im starting to wonder if i have a parasitic drain or a short thats causing my battery to go dead.

 

Got the same problem in my '84. It started happening yesterday. I got interior lights and the dash and radio light up. When I turn the key it won't do anything. I thought it was a dead battery and jumped it last night; 12 hours later the car won't start.

 

If you don't have the fsm manual. There was a post the other day and a link was givin for the wiring diagrams for the 84. http://misterbill.homeip.net/vette/wiring/. This may or may not help you but its worth a shot. I highly recommend the fsm manual for your car. I'm not a mechanic and it has been extremely helpful for me.

 

@qws thanx for the link on the wiring diagrams. i just need to figure out where the short is and get to the bottom of this, its driving me nuts when cant drive my car. im still suspecting the security system and i uninstalled all my audio equipment, my brother suggested i run a diagnostic check on it if i can get it to run to the nearest shop.

 

Im telling you... It is the module. Dont waste your time or money anywhere else. This is a free/ simple fix. Wont cost but a lil bit of your time. If the car wont start after its disconnected. Then spend some money on diagnostics. I took my car to three chevy dealerships. None of which could find the problem. They all tried to charge me hundreds of dollars - and i refused because they held my car for days, with no results. I called a corvette specialist from another state. Gave me this solution over the phone. Wham bam thank you mam! Car works perfect. Security light no longer lights up. I chose an aftermarket system since the stock is worthless anyway.

The module is located behind the breadbox. You have to remove the underdash panel (passenger side) This disconnect and remove computer. If my memory serves me correct. The module is above the placement of computer. I believe it to also have blue or black wiring harness clips. Disconnect.. Reinstall computer and your set. Make sure you disconnect the ground on the battery through all this. The module is like 5inch by 4inch.. real small..

Good luck! Should work out fine - and save u time and money in the long wrong. Guarantee this will stump the local shops.

 

Your welcome and keep it in your favorites. But I would like to add that quicksilver458 is right and it won't cost you a thing to unplug the module. I'm willing to bet it will work. And like he says if it doesn't then pursue the other avenues. This is going to be an easy fix for you. I've learned myself ALWAYS try to easy stuff first before jumping the gun and going out and spending money.

 

well i disconnected the module, when i started the engine it turned on but then immediatly it turned off. i tried a few times but the same thing kept happening. so i disconnected the batt. for fear of it being drained.

 

Just a couple of questions for you. Is the security light still on? Do you hear the fuel pump turn on once you turn the key to the "on" position NOT the START position? When it did run for a second what was your oil pressure? voltage reading?

 

yeah the security light is still on, i do hear the fuel pump turn, and the oil pressure i think was 70. voltage 13.9. i reconnected the module and it worked fine it was after when i locked it up and went back after about 4 hours to see if it would restart and nothing happened the battery was drained slightly, the security light was on. and the voltage was 8.3. so now im pretty much stumped. what a problem this has become and now im starting to see that maybe spending some money on fixing it or getting it checked on seem's to be my last resort.

 

wonder if the dash cluster is whats draining that battery? Mine did when I first got it. If you unplugged the module and let it sit does it still drain the battery? Just reread your post... leave the module unplugged then see what happens? Most people just leave it unplugged it won't hurt anything

 

If you unplug the module - the security light will NOT be on. The light will never appear again - so long as the module is unplugged. Unplug module - start car. See what happens.

 

yeah i had unplugged the module though the security light was still on, but leaving the module unplugged still drains the batt.