Key buzzer works all the time

[Mark A.]

My key buzzer works all the time, weather the key is in the ignition or not. What would be the check out procedure to determine where the problem is? I have a 71 LT-1. Thanks, Mark

[Pat M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

Mark when my 70 did this the buzzer switch plastic housing had cracked allowing the contacts to touch all the time. It happened so suddenly I just assumed it was the switch and it was. I don't know how you can confirm this is your problem without removing the switch. Good luck.

[Terry M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

My key buzzer works all the time, weather the key is in the ignition or not. What would be the check out procedure to determine where the problem is? I have a 71 LT-1. Thanks, Mark

If it works all the time that means it works with the driver's door closed also?

If that is the case you have more than one problem.

[Pat M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

If it works all the time that means it works with the driver's door closed also?

If that is the case you have more than one problem.

Good point, Terry. As I recall, even though my switch was bad it did not buzz with the driver's door closed.

[Edward J.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

My key buzzer works all the time, weather the key is in the ignition or not. What would be the check out procedure to determine where the problem is? I have a 71 LT-1. Thanks, Mark

Mark, if you have a tilt and tele column, corvette steering now make a repro key switch, and are hard to come by when looking for a NOS one.

[Terry M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

IIRC: The switch contacts Pat mentioned pick up a ground that goes through the door switch then on to the buzzer in the horn relay (for 1970 & 1971). The wire is green at the horn relay and is on a singe connector so it can be removed to disable the buzzer -- a common Bubba fix. I am not sure that the green color is consistent all the way to the steering column nor that the wire is on a single connector at the base of the steering column. I tend to think that circuit is part of the curved connector that most of the steering column wires pass through.

A brief consultation with the wiring diagram in the Chassis Service Manual or the AIM might clarify the situation for Mark. That switch in the steering column, while it is the most likely culprit, is not so easy to change. A modest amount of diagnosis would go a long way toward success rather than throwing parts at it.

[Russ S.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

Does any one know if the repo switch is any better than the GM switch? I replaced my original in my 73 with a NOS which only lasted a few years(car hardly driven). I have another NOS but would be very hesitant to put it in.

[Jim S.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

This is a scan on the buzzer switch diagnosis from the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=912#attachments

Jim

[Mark A.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

Sorry about the poor post on my part. The buzzer does not work with the door closed, only when it is open. Mark

[Russ S.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

[quote=Mark Albertus (27234);564429]Sorry about the poor post on my part. The buzzer does not work with the door closed, only when it is open. Mark[/quote

Same problem as with mine. Buzzes with door open and key out.

[Mark A.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

I found the problem. I traced it back to the column. After removing the necessary stuff, I found the buzzer switch is broken. Apparently it is in a plastic housing which was broke, and the two long copper tabs were touching each other. My question is how to repair? Does the buzzer switch just slide in that slot? Can I buy the switch somewhere? Thanks for the help, Mark

[Terry M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

See post #6 if you have T&T. If standard column I think the switch is available from all the usual suspects. It is just the two thin contact pieces seperated by a plastic piece and it slides into the slot.

[Terry M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

Safe journey Dave. We will get the chance to look in Novi.

[Jim S.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

With respect to NOS versus repo switches, original switches are found with cracked plastic cases that fail due to old age. I would suspect that NOS might have the same problem. Repo parts at least start with fresh molded plastic cases.
Jim

[Terry M.]

Re: Key buzzer works all the time

[QUOTE=Dave Perry (19643);564508]

I think it's a pink/blk wire, Terry.

We (Dave and I) looked at a 1970 Corvette at the National Convention. Dave is right -- the wire color to that key buzzer connector at the horn relay is black with a pink stripe. Green is the horn wire.