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Valet key issues

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Old Jun 28, 2016 | 02:24 PM
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Default Valet key issues

Still haggling with the owner on this ZR1. I have read several threads about the valet key not working properly and not allowing full power. My question is if the valet key is turned to full power and the full power light is on could it still be a problem not allowing the secondary's to function???? Its a 1990 no SES light on...
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Old Jun 28, 2016 | 02:42 PM
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Floor it, say in 3rd, in valet mode. While your foot is still down switch the key to full.

You should easily feel the added boost in power.

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Old Jun 28, 2016 | 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Dds1994
Still haggling with the owner on this ZR1. I have read several threads about the valet key not working properly and not allowing full power. My question is if the valet key is turned to full power and the full power light is on could it still be a problem not allowing the secondary's to function???? Its a 1990 no SES light on...
Not sure if this has been mentioned but check the VAC pump. It's located at the front of the car down in the right side headlight well bolted to the frame. With the key in the on position but not started unplug the rubber connector at the pump. The pump will run until the connector is plugged.
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Old Jun 28, 2016 | 11:26 PM
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When you turn the power key on does the "full power light" come on in the DIC? I had an issue where the key didn't work properly all the time, but that's an easy fix
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by zr-1 guy
When you turn the power key on does the "full power light" come on in the DIC? I had an issue where the key didn't work properly all the time, but that's an easy fix
Yes but that was only a option for the MY90 ZR-1. It was an actual key and a cylinder that was turned and then the "FULL POWER" Script would light up in the Drivers Information Center or (DIC). Your right that cylinder is a pretty easy fix

In MY 91-MY 95 ZR-1s they went to a valet key module. The indication of the key was active was a small green LED that would illuminate with the turn of the valet key meeting full power is available. GM left the script logo in the DIC but it was never meant to active for the 91-95 Zs.

Normally first indication of trouble in the DIC is a Service Engine Soon or SES light in the DIC. If this light is illuminated for ANY Reason the car will NOT activate the secondary's meaning in layman's terms the car will not activate the last 8 injectors or true FULL POWER. The car will default to valet mode until the SES fault is cleared or corrected.

Last edited by Goldcylon; Jun 29, 2016 at 09:46 AM.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 09:40 AM
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Why don't you post up your location, I'm sure if a current ZR-1 owner is near they would be happy to look at the car with you.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Dds1994
Still haggling with the owner on this ZR1. I have read several threads about the valet key not working properly and not allowing full power. My question is if the valet key is turned to full power and the full power light is on could it still be a problem not allowing the secondary's to function???? Its a 1990 no SES light on...
Are you sure the SES light bulb is functioning ? Turn the key without cranking the car does it illuminate for a second? I would want to rule out a bad or pulled bulb first.

Do you have a OBD1 scanner. You could scan for faults in the ALDL port to the underside of the right knee bolster.

Something is up if you cant feel a dramatic difference between 8 and 16 injectors
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by We Gone
Why don't you post up your location, I'm sure if a current ZR-1 owner is near they would be happy to look at the car with you.
Yadda Yadda
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 09:47 AM
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What he said!

Check to make sure that the SES light bulb is neither missing or burned out! It should illuminate during start-up.
This would not be the first time that one was "accidentally" removed to perhaps stop the glare, or maybe for some other reason.


Marty
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 10:36 AM
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Actually a "KEY-ON/BULB-CHECK" should be done on any of these cars to confirm systems/options that maybe have been tampered with/defeated or whatever. BULB-CHECK changes year to tear but it's certainly a "must check" I'd think.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Actually a "KEY-ON/BULB-CHECK" should be done on any of these cars to confirm systems/options that maybe have been tampered with/defeated or whatever. BULB-CHECK changes year to tear but it's certainly a "must check" I'd think.
Sorry Fellas been away from the computer.....Ill check the SES light if I go for another test drive...The full power light does come on, I just did not know if the light is on if there could still be a issue with the switch and the secondary's not working. From all the info you great guys have passed on to me I know the secondary's are not working and I think it might be a vacuum issue..Thank you all for the help.
.
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Dds1994
Sorry Fellas been away from the computer.....Ill check the SES light if I go for another test drive...The full power light does come on, I just did not know if the light is on if there could still be a issue with the switch and the secondary's not working. From all the info you great guys have passed on to me I know the secondary's are not working and I think it might be a vacuum issue..Thank you all for the help.
.
Really? When all else fails listen to the dumb guy in the corner.
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 08:51 AM
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Also the 1990 Power key cylinder is quite easy to repair. When I turned my key to full power, I had to find the 'sweet spot' for the light to stay on and power power to be engaged.

I took the key cylinder apart and tweaked the contact tangs. works perfect now.. but then it is ALWAYS ON!!!
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Old Jul 1, 2016 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Goldcylon
Yes but that was only a option for the MY90 ZR-1. It was an actual key and a cylinder that was turned and then the "FULL POWER" Script would light up in the Drivers Information Center or (DIC). Your right that cylinder is a pretty easy fix

In MY 91-MY 95 ZR-1s they went to a valet key module. The indication of the key was active was a small green LED that would illuminate with the turn of the valet key meeting full power is available. GM left the script logo in the DIC but it was never meant to active for the 91-95 Zs.

Normally first indication of trouble in the DIC is a Service Engine Soon or SES light in the DIC. If this light is illuminated for ANY Reason the car will NOT activate the secondary's meaning in layman's terms the car will not activate the last 8 injectors or true FULL POWER. The car will default to valet mode until the SES fault is cleared or corrected.
well he has a 90 so...
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Old Jul 2, 2016 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by zr-1 guy
well he has a 90 so...
And I said your were right for the 90. The rest of my post was for the NEXT guy that has this problem when they search so........
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