Help!!! Ignition Bypass!!!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,078
Likes: 2
From: Palm Coast, FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Help!!! Ignition Bypass!!!
Ok, here's the dilemma........I've got a 99 vette with the dreaded key chip. My VATS shuts the car down on a regular basis and it's getting out of control 
I've already done the following:
Shut off the VATS in the computer - NO GOOD - this only shuts off the alarm in the PCM but does not bypass the BCM in looking for the resistance from the key chip/cylinder.
Replaced the key itself.........NO GO
I've searched every Vette magazine and haven't been able to find a bypass that will guarantee it will work on a C5.......
The cylinder has yet to be replaced and Undertaker found this for me
http://members.tripod.com/~alarmtek/VATS.html
Suggestions???? I'm desperate........I can't have this shutting down on me as I'm ready to roll out into the staging area for an HPDE session.
TIA everyone!!
I've already done the following:
Shut off the VATS in the computer - NO GOOD - this only shuts off the alarm in the PCM but does not bypass the BCM in looking for the resistance from the key chip/cylinder.
Replaced the key itself.........NO GO
I've searched every Vette magazine and haven't been able to find a bypass that will guarantee it will work on a C5.......
The cylinder has yet to be replaced and Undertaker found this for me
http://members.tripod.com/~alarmtek/VATS.html
Suggestions???? I'm desperate........I can't have this shutting down on me as I'm ready to roll out into the staging area for an HPDE session.
TIA everyone!!
Last edited by TryNkeepUp; Sep 10, 2007 at 12:09 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
I would think that replacing the cylinder would do the trick. Never heard of that bypass for that link you posted. I have heard of some people just adding a resistor under the dash somewhere, but haven't seen any write up on it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 13
From: east norriton pa
Vehicles with the GM VATS system have a resistor embedded in the ignition key. If
the VATS decoder module does not measure the proper resistance when the vehicle
is started, the starter and or fuel pump may be disabled for up to 10 minutes. There
are 15 possible values used for these cars (listed below). The “VATS Pack” is part
number 652t and contains all 15 values.
The VATS wires will be two very light gauge wires coming off the key cylinder. The
colors of the wires may vary but they are contained in a tubing that is often orange,
black, or gray (do not confuse this with the yellow tubing which is for the airbag
wires!!!!). Determine the value of the resistor in the key with a multimeter, then
follow the diagram above to bypass VATS during remote start operation.
NOTE: When connecting to the VATS wires it is not important which wire is cut
but make sure that the key side of the cut wire goes to terminal 87A of the relay and
the car side goes to terminal 30.
the VATS decoder module does not measure the proper resistance when the vehicle
is started, the starter and or fuel pump may be disabled for up to 10 minutes. There
are 15 possible values used for these cars (listed below). The “VATS Pack” is part
number 652t and contains all 15 values.
The VATS wires will be two very light gauge wires coming off the key cylinder. The
colors of the wires may vary but they are contained in a tubing that is often orange,
black, or gray (do not confuse this with the yellow tubing which is for the airbag
wires!!!!). Determine the value of the resistor in the key with a multimeter, then
follow the diagram above to bypass VATS during remote start operation.
NOTE: When connecting to the VATS wires it is not important which wire is cut
but make sure that the key side of the cut wire goes to terminal 87A of the relay and
the car side goes to terminal 30.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,078
Likes: 2
From: Palm Coast, FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I've researched this almost to death!
If replacing the cylinder doesn't work, I'll try the relay next and if that doesn't work.......I'm going to gouge my own eyes out
Thanks guys!!
