Problem with my '95 Z28, LT1, Viper alarm with remote starter:

When I insert the ignition key, car doesn't start. Radio, power windows etc. work. Dashboard lights remain off.
Tried the spare key - to rule out a problem with the key - same result.
When using the remote control (Viper) car starts just fine. Once I turn the key, and push the brake pedal the engine shuts off, dashboard lights turn off.

I had to tow the car to the dealership last weekend, the mechanic still has no idea what the problem is. He said that there is "no communication from the computer".
I suggested to him to check if the part that reads the key's embedded chip is malfunctioning - waiting on an answer on that.
(Please forgive me my ignorance here - I'm more familiar with the kind of computers that sits on desks or in server rooms.)
Does anyone have an idea what might be the problem?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

Sounds like you might be on track about the chip in the key not registering with the computer, but then again it could be a problem with the alarm system. To the best of my knowledge the safety feature about those is that if someone was to get in and try and take it without first turning the key on the system shuts the car down. If it were me I would remove the aftermarket system and see what happens. Thats just me though. Sorry if this isn't much help, good luck.

 

(thanks for the reply)
You are correct, any attempt to tinker with the car (open the hood, put it in gear, etc.) will shut the car down, unless the key is in the ignition, and the ignition is "on". I might have to contact Viper support to find out their answer. I have no clue on how to override the aftermarket system without completely removing it - if that is indeed the problem. I hope the dealership's guys can figure it out without charging me arm and leg for it :-(
I'll post the solution once I find it - for future references.

 

Follow-up to close the case:
Got the car back - after a $360 bill. A contact in the ignition lock was burned out. The dealership replaced the lock and contacts, everything is working again.

Just don't know why it took the expert from Saturday to Thursday to figure that out....