steering column electrical
02-10-2019, 09:52 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Southern California
Posts: 32
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0L 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4
steering column electrical
greetings everyone.
I recently purchased a 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS 5.0L vin code E. ive been getting some interesting electrical problems that i cannot decide if they are related or if they are their separate issues. when i purchased the car, the gentleman informed me that his mechanic bypassed the VATS security system. the first issue is that when the vehicle is off, the right turn signal does not flash but the right does, however when i activate the emergency lights, they both flash. when the car has the engine running, all the turn signals work fine. the next issue is that there is no audible click from the flasher. the lights flash but there is no click. i bought a flasher canister and on my way home the sound came back but only intermittently. some days it would click. other days it stays silent. the third issue is that the door chime also works intermittently except then i push the ignition key further into the lock cylinder does the chime start working. im also noticing alot of noise from the radio system similar to alternator whine noises but the alternator was tested and it passed and the battery is new.
This is what i know:
1. the battery and alternator are good.
2. the VATS system is disabled. this worries me because third gen camaros and firebirds seem to attract wire butchers and im skeptical if the job was done right.
3. the battery cables have been swapped. they are not the original ones but converted for top post and the wires look too new which tells me that the whole cables have been replaced rather than just the terminals.
4. the car was originally a california car but it spent five years in colorado before it came back to cali. road salt and humid environment?
5. the turn signal lever feels loose but still cancels itself and lock cylinder appear loose but ive had other third gen camaros with the same thing and no electrical. maybe this is the exception?
I know that these seem like too many problems and i dont expect everyone to magically solve my problems but any help would be appreciated in pointing me in the right direction of any tips.
I recently purchased a 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS 5.0L vin code E. ive been getting some interesting electrical problems that i cannot decide if they are related or if they are their separate issues. when i purchased the car, the gentleman informed me that his mechanic bypassed the VATS security system. the first issue is that when the vehicle is off, the right turn signal does not flash but the right does, however when i activate the emergency lights, they both flash. when the car has the engine running, all the turn signals work fine. the next issue is that there is no audible click from the flasher. the lights flash but there is no click. i bought a flasher canister and on my way home the sound came back but only intermittently. some days it would click. other days it stays silent. the third issue is that the door chime also works intermittently except then i push the ignition key further into the lock cylinder does the chime start working. im also noticing alot of noise from the radio system similar to alternator whine noises but the alternator was tested and it passed and the battery is new.
This is what i know:
1. the battery and alternator are good.
2. the VATS system is disabled. this worries me because third gen camaros and firebirds seem to attract wire butchers and im skeptical if the job was done right.
3. the battery cables have been swapped. they are not the original ones but converted for top post and the wires look too new which tells me that the whole cables have been replaced rather than just the terminals.
4. the car was originally a california car but it spent five years in colorado before it came back to cali. road salt and humid environment?
5. the turn signal lever feels loose but still cancels itself and lock cylinder appear loose but ive had other third gen camaros with the same thing and no electrical. maybe this is the exception?
I know that these seem like too many problems and i dont expect everyone to magically solve my problems but any help would be appreciated in pointing me in the right direction of any tips.
02-18-2019, 09:33 PM
#2
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Metal 2 Metal Contact
Originally Posted by metalhead
when the vehicle is off, the right turn signal does not flash……..when the car has the engine running, all the turn signals work
To find out, turn the key to RUN, but don’t start the engine.
Do both signals flash then?
Originally Posted by metalhead
no audible click from the flasher
Originally Posted by metalhead
bought a flasher canister and on my way home the sound came back but only intermittently
Might be it goes into a location which reflects less sound.
Originally Posted by metalhead
door chime also works intermittently except then i push the ignition key further into the lock cylinder does the chime start working
It can be caused by the small switch in the steering column not changing states when the key is inserted, or a bad connection going to it.
To find out, make sure the headlights are off, then connect an ohmmeter from pin B light green wire of the Audio Alarm Assembly to ground.
The Audio Alarm Assembly is located in the ‘Convenience Center’, which is to the right of the steering column.
Keep your door open for this test.
Now insert and remove the key.
When you do that you will see the ohmmeter go to 0 when you insert the key,
then to a higher reading when the key is removed, if the switch and wiring is intact.
Originally Posted by metalhead
noise from the radio system similar to alternator whine noises but the alternator was tested and it passed
If you don’t have a budget for a new top of the line alt, you can try some high value capacitors across the power lines.
Originally Posted by metalhead
battery cables have been swapped
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing !
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Funny Car Fun Fact: Nitromethane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Camaro kid97
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
3
09-18-2014 01:18 PM
V8Rumble
Interior Parts Wanted
2
05-12-2007 10:57 PM
SLAYER6669
Tech / General Engine
5
07-24-2005 04:16 AM