Most of the complaints i read about the VATS concern not starting. My problem is the alarm goes off when i exit the car. At first it only happened rarely, but lately, it happens like 50% of the time. One other strange symptom that i've noticed that might be related is that my "door ajar" light fickers while driving on a rough road. I've slammed every door and the convertible hatch, but it still flickers. I'm thinking that the two might be related. Does anyone know what activates the alarm? There 's nothing in the owners manual and the local chev dealer knows nothing about it. I live in the sticks.

I went to a funeral today, and the SOB went off, and embarrased the hell out of me. I'm about ready to start ripping wires, but i know that's not good. Any thoughts out there?

 

Look to your door ajar & hatch switches. Seems they are malfunctioning. Check em" for extension. You can try pulling (extending) them with a tool, but be careful they break easily. If you have some contact cleaner, it may help also.


[Modified by lou sylvestri, 1:50 PM 10/20/2002]

 

First, The Vehicle Anti Theft System (VATS-uses little key pellet-NO HORN), and the Universal Theft Deterrent System (UTDS-uses door and latch wiring, other inputs-HORN) are separate systems. On some models, UTDS may interface with the Start Enable Relay. Be sure to read the owners manual/service manual for specific features associated with your car. All years are not be the same but I am certain about MY90 cars. Your problem is not with the VATS. The problem is likely with the UTDS and the door ajar light.

First, check back in the owners manual under Theft Deterrent or Alarm. It will hopefully explain that system as it applys to your car.

Most systems are armed by using the Power Door Lock switch on either door. When you select the "Door Lock" button on either inside door, you ARM the system. Then, if it "sees" the door (or hatch)open without the key or outside door handle movement, it thinks someone has broken a window, reached insided, and moved the door handle, or used a crow bar to open the door. Thus, if you ARMED the system using the door lock switch, closed the door, and the door ajar switch is not adjusted correctly, the system will sense an open door, no key or handle movement, and the alarm will sound. You can lock the doors with the keys and it will NOT arm the system (make sure you check this feature for your model year).

Your dealer service department should be able to find system info around Chapter 9D-1. Index, under Theft (note-it also lists VATS chapters along with UTDS, go to UTDS. For the electrical supplement, have them check theft and will find some charts. This problem is likely switch related, not electrical wiring fault but ya never know till you start checking.

Typically, it's the door ajar switch adjustment, check for the little black plastic plunger and plastic stricking plate. The hatch sensing switch will also fire up the door ajar light. Most would suspect the left door switch as it sees the most use. You may just have to adjust this switch. Or, just replace the switch. Less likely but possible, is the the wear associated with door hinge plates etc. Lift up on the trailing edge of the door and check play.

For the interim, I wouldn't arm the system using the power door lock switch.

Hope this helps.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks





[Modified by dlmeyers, 10:08 AM 10/21/2002]


[Modified by dlmeyers, 7:21 AM 10/22/2002]

 

DLMeyers, thank for all the good info. That really helps. I am pretty sure that it's related to the passenger door switch. I will adjust the switch/door tonight and see what happens.

Odd thing is that my alarm goes off as i'm getting out of the car. Is there a XX seconds delay from time door is locked till it assumes that you are out of there? My owners manual doesn't even mention the anti-theft system at all. Maybe i can do some reasearch on the internet. Thanks again.

 

As I recall, the alarm can activate when the driver is quick to get out of the car, hits the door lock switch, and the passenger is, say, looking for her purse, and then moves the door open handle, alarm goes off. Pretty sure this has happened before, like maybe last month. Sounds like you have the right door problem.

Good luck and let us know.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks