90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

[Jerry G.]

A buddy of mine has a 90 ZR-1 that has been in storage for several years. The battery was removed so there was no power to the systems. He has put a new battery in and gone through all the mechanical precautions to start it up and has it running. The problem he has now is electrical.
The first problem is that a warning light comes on when the ignition is turned on that say that the inflatable restraint is non operational. It 's a red dash warning light. It doesn't go away and does not reset.
The second problem is with the radio. When the radio is turned on it emits a loud singular tone. The volume is not controllable with the volume knob and it happens in all modes whenever the radio is turned on. The only way to make it stop is to shut off the radio.
We suspect all this has to do with the security systems. Does anyone know how to reset the codes to stop these problems? My newest Corvette is a 65 so I know nothing about these new fangled sporty cars.

[Paul B.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

I do not know much about C4s, but the '90 is my favorite C4. One item I've read about was the unique '90 only infl rest light that would come on. Hundreds, if not thousands of these inflatable restraint sensors were deemed faulty when, from what I've read from different sources say the main culprit is a defective ground somewhere in that system. I once read where GM paid many, many warranty dollars out for sensor replacement when the sensor was not at fault. I thought at one time one of the main Corvette magazines, like VETTE, Corvette Fever or Corvette Enthusiast did a breakdown of that system showing where the "faults" were at of that system in 1990 Corvettes.

[Tom H.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Amps are bad in the speakers. Very common.

He either has an Diagnostic energy reserve module ( DERM ) gone bad or if he is lucky a front discriminator causing the INFL REST light. There is a bulletin on the DERM and discriminator sensors. Bulletin # 90-98-0A. ( I will be glad to fax it to you. ) If you clean the contact ground and add a star washer you might get it. One is near the battery and the other is near the heater box. They ground to the frame. If you get the code from the car I can tell you which problem you have. Neither issue is related to your security system.

Seen a bunch of them.

[Jerry G.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Thank you. That's exactly what I was looking for. i'll let you know how it comes out. Jerry

[Jerry G.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Amps are bad in the speakers. Very common.

He either has an Diagnostic energy reserve module ( DERM ) gone bad or if he is lucky a front discriminator causing the INFL REST light. There is a bulletin on the DERM and discriminator sensors. Bulletin # 90-98-0A. ( I will be glad to fax it to you. ) If you clean the contact ground and add a star washer you might get it. One is near the battery and the other is near the heater box. They ground to the frame. If you get the code from the car I can tell you which problem you have. Neither issue is related to your security system.

Seen a bunch of them.

Tom, Do you think the radio problem is related? Jerry

[Tom H.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Tom, Do you think the radio problem is related? Jerry

Nope.....

[Jerry G.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Anybody got any ideas on the above radio problem?

[Tom H.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Anybody got any ideas on the above radio problem?

Yep. Go to www.corvetteradios.com Did you get the INFL REST light off yet ?

[Jon S.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

Anybody got any ideas on the above radio problem?

I've had great results from Doctor Don's. http://www.doctordons.com/. Cost was about $75/amp last time I had to have one rebuilt.

[James W.]

Re: 90 ZR-1 coming out of storage electrical issues

I've had great results from Doctor Don's. http://www.doctordons.com/. Cost was about $75/amp last time I had to have one rebuilt.

There's something like 13 ground connections scattered front and rear of the car. Cleaning and tightening these will halp fend off future gremlins and may help your current issues. Look up near the front of the engine compartment on the frame and back by the rear suspension on the frame. They are paired up, so should be easy to find.

Jim