1986 - 1987 Corvette: Service Bulletin: Intermittent No-Start Condition Caused by Vehicle Anti-Theft System

Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Number: 87-140
Section: 8A
Date: May, 1987
Subject: INTERMITTENT NO-START CONDITION CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (VATS)
Model Year: 1986-1987 Corvette

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

Some 1986-1987 Corvettes have been returned to dealerships for repair because of an intermittent no-start condition. in some cases, the vehicle may start after waiting for approximately 2 minutes.

This condition could be caused by a damaged ignition lock cylinder or damaged resistor pellet inside the ignition key. This causes the VATS module to sense an intermittent resistance value or open circuit at the pellet, which then shuts the system down for approximately 2 minutes. (Refer to the 1986 Corvette Shop Manual pages 8A-133-6 through 8A-133-13 or the VATS Pro Tech PTF-1 booklet for a more detailed description of the system.)

An improved ignition lock cylinder with a narrower keyway and an improved longer ignition key are now available from GMSPO to repair vehicles with this condition. Vehicles that come in for other mechanical lock cylinder problems should also have the improved lock cylinder installed.

PARTS INFORMATION

Ignition Lock Cylinder:  P/N: 26008775

New keys (3) must be ordered when replacing the lock cylinder. Check the old key to obtain the proper code to order using the (J35628) VATS Interrogator. Original design lock cylinders will operate with new design keys, however, new design lock cylinder, P/N 26008775, will not operate with original design keys.

Notice:  Vehicles built after VIN H5120579 have the improved lock cylinder and longer keys in them.

Use applicable labor operation.