Theft Deterrent Mode on C4
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Theft Deterrent Mode on C4
Just got a call from the Chevy dealer and he says I have to pay $550 to have my ignition cylinder and ignition key replaced because my car has been programmed to the anti-theft mode.
Background: Took my car to a Lube shop and after they programmed out the Oil Change light indicator, the car would no longer start.
If you short acoss the starter terminals, the car starts but dies within 3 seconds (repeatably).
Found on line that this vette has a anti-theft system that prevents power to the starter relay and the fuel pump when in theft mode.
So now the question is...how to unprogram the theft mode. Can't believe that I really have to replace the ignition cylinder and key to fix this. I would think if it can be programmed ON, it can be programmed OFF, but the dealer mechanic says no.
Anyone got any ideas for a fellow vette brother that doesn't like getting robbed by the Chevy dealer mechanics?
Background: Took my car to a Lube shop and after they programmed out the Oil Change light indicator, the car would no longer start.
If you short acoss the starter terminals, the car starts but dies within 3 seconds (repeatably).
Found on line that this vette has a anti-theft system that prevents power to the starter relay and the fuel pump when in theft mode.
So now the question is...how to unprogram the theft mode. Can't believe that I really have to replace the ignition cylinder and key to fix this. I would think if it can be programmed ON, it can be programmed OFF, but the dealer mechanic says no.
Anyone got any ideas for a fellow vette brother that doesn't like getting robbed by the Chevy dealer mechanics?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
Just got a call from the Chevy dealer and he says I have to pay $550 to have my ignition cylinder and ignition key replaced because my car has been programmed to the anti-theft mode.
Background: Took my car to a Lube shop and after they programmed out the Oil Change light indicator, the car would no longer start.
If you short acoss the starter terminals, the car starts but dies within 3 seconds (repeatably).
Found on line that this vette has a anti-theft system that prevents power to the starter relay and the fuel pump when in theft mode.
So now the question is...how to unprogram the theft mode. Can't believe that I really have to replace the ignition cylinder and key to fix this. I would think if it can be programmed ON, it can be programmed OFF, but the dealer mechanic says no.
Anyone got any ideas for a fellow vette brother that doesn't like getting robbed by the Chevy dealer mechanics?
Background: Took my car to a Lube shop and after they programmed out the Oil Change light indicator, the car would no longer start.
If you short acoss the starter terminals, the car starts but dies within 3 seconds (repeatably).
Found on line that this vette has a anti-theft system that prevents power to the starter relay and the fuel pump when in theft mode.
So now the question is...how to unprogram the theft mode. Can't believe that I really have to replace the ignition cylinder and key to fix this. I would think if it can be programmed ON, it can be programmed OFF, but the dealer mechanic says no.
Anyone got any ideas for a fellow vette brother that doesn't like getting robbed by the Chevy dealer mechanics?
Tell the dealer to have his ace mechanic look up VATS in the service manual and follow the diags chart. It may very well need a lock cylinder but I doubt it needs a $550.00 one. Better yet buy a DVM and a service manual and post this in the tech section.
Dave
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Britton Michigan
Ive got a similar issue posted over in Tech - I believe it is the VATS... should be able to be bypassed or deleted.... check over in Tech or search the forums or Google VATS for a ton of info.
Also, a Factory Service manual is invaluable for troubleshooting/diagnosing these PITA electrical problems and can/will save you a bundle.
Pit Bull 49229
Also, a Factory Service manual is invaluable for troubleshooting/diagnosing these PITA electrical problems and can/will save you a bundle.
Pit Bull 49229
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
According to the dealer service manual, if the system is in the theft alarm mode, the deterent system can be disarmed by placing the oval key in the door lock and rotating it like you would normally open the door.then insert the square headed ignition key on the steering column.
Good Luck!
Jim
Good Luck!
Jim
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Christchurch, NZ
According to the dealer service manual, if the system is in the theft alarm mode, the deterent system can be disarmed by placing the oval key in the door lock and rotating it like you would normally open the door.then insert the square headed ignition key on the steering column.
Good Luck!
Jim
Good Luck!
Jim
4th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I have a 1990 Corvette that has temporarily stranded me about 5 different times. This always occurs when we are out somewhere and we turn off engine temporarily (stop for gas, etc.) The symptoms are: no starter or solenoid response upon attempting to restart the car. Dash lights come on, but zero, zilch, nothing from the starter. In all cases, after about 45 minutes to an hour later, the car will start and run just fine. On two occasions, I had to cancel a towtruck order. At first, I concluded that this was temparature related even to the point of replacing the starter, and shielding it from the catalytic converter heat! No help.
The last time this happened, my wife was with me, and we noticed that I had tried to start the car before she had closed her door. We were at a restaurant, so we went inside for about an hour and came back out and the car started.
I am blaming the VATs system for this, but I still don't have a definite cause & effect.
If anyone can shed any light on this I would appreciate the insight
Tuxedokat
The last time this happened, my wife was with me, and we noticed that I had tried to start the car before she had closed her door. We were at a restaurant, so we went inside for about an hour and came back out and the car started.
I am blaming the VATs system for this, but I still don't have a definite cause & effect.
If anyone can shed any light on this I would appreciate the insight
Tuxedokat
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