Ok, every now and then my 89 IROC w/ 350 won't start due to the security light turing on. I had always assumed this was a result of the small chip on my key not reading correctly. I always had to wait a few mins before it would start... so the other day I began to take my dash apart. I found a disconnected bright orange wire coming out of the steering colum that measures the same resistance as the chip in my key and come and goes with the key in and out, clearly the wires connected to the chip connection. So what gives? I think someone has previously over ridden the system, but every now and then it doesn't work. I looked and looked but I can't find the other half of the orange wire. Any help on where it might be located? The orange wire ended behind my radio. Is it possible that someone may have switched the computer and it is from an earlier Camaro w/o the chip keys? Is it possible that someone switched steering columns and the key i have isn't even the right resistance for my computer? How could I determine the correct resistance once I find the other half of the wire?


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Owner of a 1989 IROC-Z Camaro, a.k.a. "The Babe Magnet". Painted a cheap metallic blue that chips off all too easily and covers over the IROC-Z decals on the doors, also has non-leaking T-tops, ps, pw, power rear hatch, working A/C. Mods: SLP intake runners, gutted MAF sensor, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, modified air spoil, 3.27 posi rear end.
Broken stuff: rear spoiler brake light, driver side lock, power antenna, tilt steering, rear end bushings, cracked passanger side ground effect, washer fluid tab, leaking exhaust and a rotted through muffler that sparks when the car bottoms out while driving like any 17 year old does.

 

oh the fun of working on something someone else has screwed with. The passkey module is mounted to the defroster duct deep behind the dash towards the top and center. sounds like you may already know what's been done. they probably cobbled everything up like that trying to fix the same problem that's already there instead of actually figuring out what was wrong and fixing it. happens a lot. people cause more problems than they fix because they don't know what they're doing. if you can get ahold of the previous owner and ask would be nice but more than likely you don't have that luxury. Next step is to try and access the passkey module which requires loosening the dash. take the dashpad off and you may be able to get close to it (never done a camaro, only firebird). the passkey wires from the column are two white wires in an orange "sheath" so you are probably on the right track. 99% of the time the ignition lock cylinder is the problem. dealer's have a tester that can see if the key and the lock cylinder are functioning and can plug into the car itself to mimick the key but since yours is intermittent it will be very tough to diagnose. Being that your security light is illuminating, I don't believe your computer is non passkey because it would probably stay off. a service manual would sure help you out locating the wiring and components. you can usually find a used manual at a swap meet

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Kyle Osterholt
Okarche, Oklahoma
ASE Master Certified
86 T/A 383 TPI
89 TTA #1002 T-top/Leather
89 TTA #1358 Hardtop/Leather
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