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failing ignition switch?, not VATS?

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Old Nov 12, 2025 | 06:39 PM
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From: Chandler AZ
Default failing ignition switch?, not VATS?

Corvette 2004 C5 is not starting intermittently, 90K miles. The Cable to Auto Trans was replaced 4 months ago, not sure if that was really necessary by the AAA Auto repair, I think they said it was broken though. Security light appears normal. dead dash. New Battery, CODE: B2723

Note: key comes out without turning fully counter-clockwise

I already installed LMC5 and the brown wire, do I need to do the C5 Corvette VATS Security System Bypass , or is it failing ignition switch, not VATS.?

Thanks, Doug
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Old Nov 12, 2025 | 06:43 PM
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Need the full description of the issue.
What happens when you open the door
what happens when the key is inserted
what happens when the key is turned to the ON position
what happens when the key is turned to the START position

What has been replaced? What happened prior to the car not starting?

Gary
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Old Nov 12, 2025 | 07:04 PM
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From: Chandler AZ
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Originally Posted by SilverC54me
Need the full description of the issue.
What happens when you open the door
what happens when the key is inserted
what happens when the key is turned to the ON position
what happens when the key is turned to the START position

What has been replaced? What happened prior to the car not starting?

Gary
Hey Gary
1 - nothing
2 - nothing
3 - nothing
4 - nothing

I try to crank it 5 times, and on the 5th time putting the key in it clicks (seems like it recognizes the key then), and then it starts.

I drove it to a different location in hopes it would be ok, and it started fine after that,

Then going to the 3rd location I turned it off, did my errand and then it wouldn't start,

it try to crank it this time it took about 10 times , almost gave up, thinking I had to have it towed, and it started! over a course of about 5-10 minutes waiting, removing the key, and putting it back in.
At this point I have it being looked at, but concerned as they said they wanted to ha
have a locksmith look at it, and I don't think the issue is with the tumblers. and don't
want them dis-assembling the steering column.
​​​​​​​appreciate your insights.

I've only replaced the LMC5 column lock, and the brown wire.
I've been concerned that I can remove the key without Turing it completely counter clockwise, the radio will stay on with key removed. (I don't do this on purpose but I'm a little quick on the draw apparently).

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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 12:03 AM
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Sounds like you might need to replace the Ignition lock cylinder. The Ignition lock cylinder contains a set of contacts that press against the keys resistor pellet, those contacts are wired to the BCM and is what we call the pass key system. If there is a problem with the contacts the BCM will not receive the correct current level and will not provide a ground to the TDR. The TDR is the relay that sends 12v to the starter solenoid to energize the starter.
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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 07:50 AM
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Older thread that might be relevant:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ty-system.html
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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Keyman57
Hey Gary
1 - nothing
2 - nothing
3 - nothing
4 - nothing

I try to crank it 5 times, and on the 5th time putting the key in it clicks (seems like it recognizes the key then), and then it starts.

I drove it to a different location in hopes it would be ok, and it started fine after that,

Then going to the 3rd location I turned it off, did my errand and then it wouldn't start,

it try to crank it this time it took about 10 times , almost gave up, thinking I had to have it towed, and it started! over a course of about 5-10 minutes waiting, removing the key, and putting it back in.
At this point I have it being looked at, but concerned as they said they wanted to ha
have a locksmith look at it, and I don't think the issue is with the tumblers. and don't
want them dis-assembling the steering column.
appreciate your insights.

I've only replaced the LMC5 column lock, and the brown wire.
I've been concerned that I can remove the key without Turing it completely counter clockwise, the radio will stay on with key removed. (I don't do this on purpose but I'm a little quick on the draw apparently).
So to be clear on the questions you answered:

What happens when you open the door? - You replied ...nothing.
So when you open the drivers door:
1) No interior lights illuminate?
2) The Security light does not flash on the IPC?


What happens when the key is inserted? - You replied...nothing
So when you insert the key into the ignition:
1) No fast chime?


What happens when the key is turned to the ON position? - You replied....nothing
When you turn the key to the ON position:
1) No slow chime?
2) Gauges do not sweep and indicator lights do not test?

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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 06:42 PM
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From: Chandler AZ
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Originally Posted by SilverC54me
Need the full description of the issue.
What happens when you open the door
what happens when the key is inserted
what happens when the key is turned to the ON position
what happens when the key is turned to the START position

What has been replaced? What happened prior to the car not starting?

Gary
Originally Posted by redzg
Older thread that might be relevant:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ty-system.html
Thanks, it led me to this one. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ch-repair.html

The dealer wants to replace the entire key and lock cylinder for $1200. that doesn't include the ignition switch, but I'm thinking it is the ignition switch after reading all this,?
Looks likeThe ACDelco D1426D (GM OEM) switch is now discontinued/ unavailable. The correct modern replacement is ACDelco D1499C.
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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 06:52 PM
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$1,200??!!! Im sure they would love to replace it for twelve hundred bucks!!! This sounds like you have the car at GM stealer.....
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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 08:00 PM
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Replacing the switch yourself, or, better still, cleaning the contacts, is not a terribly complex operation, if you have a bit of mechanical ability and the time. Your original switch is better quality than the new ones — contact points are straight and aligned, etc. There are a number of threads and YouTube videos on the entire process — and by all means clean the lock cylinder and key contacts too, as well.
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Old Nov 13, 2025 | 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Keyman57
Thanks, it led me to this one. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ch-repair.html

The dealer wants to replace the entire key and lock cylinder for $1200. that doesn't include the ignition switch, but I'm thinking it is the ignition switch after reading all this,?
Looks likeThe ACDelco D1426D (GM OEM) switch is now discontinued/ unavailable. The correct modern replacement is ACDelco D1499C.
Your codes and little information provided thus far scream lock cylinder.
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