86 Starting problem, VATS ????
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32
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From: Watertown NY
86 Starting problem, VATS ????
My 86, intermittantly refuses to engage the starter.
All power is on and working, but no juice to the starter solenoid.
All fuses and relays are good, I wait an undertermined time, usually several minutes and it starts. Hot or cold, no diff. Manuals are limited on the VATS. Where is that relay located so I can test it??
Or what else could this be????
All power is on and working, but no juice to the starter solenoid.
All fuses and relays are good, I wait an undertermined time, usually several minutes and it starts. Hot or cold, no diff. Manuals are limited on the VATS. Where is that relay located so I can test it??
Or what else could this be????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
Static electricity from the key can cause the VATS to stop you. The time limit to try again is 4 minutes. If you try before that, the 4 minutes starts over again. Mid America and others sell VATS by-pass switches. Here's a link...
http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.862
http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.862
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
My local mechanic said he has seen this problem on a few GM cars that use the "pellet" key. If you pull the ignition/key lock out of the steering column you might find that the wires that go from the lock down the steering column are worn throughfrom them rubbing on the lock. If this is the case then you can just replace the wires. He says that the VATS bypass is simply a resistor that plugs in to the wiring harness at the base of the steering column. You have to tell the vendor which "number" key you have so they can send you the correct part. The new resistor has to match the resistance of the pellet in your key. It fools the computer into thinking the correct key is in the lock. He also stated that the computer under the dash can go bad and not recognize the VATS signal. He also said that getting to this computer requires taking the dash apart and calls for 15 hours labor! He then stated that sometimes mice get in the dash and chew up the wiring on cars that are stored for the winter! 
I hope your problem is something simple! 
I hope your problem is something simple!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
He also stated that the computer under the dash can go bad and not recognize the VATS signal. He also said that getting to this computer requires taking the dash apart and calls for 15 hours labor!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
First try your spare key as its pellet contacts aren't worn like your everyday key. The ign tumbler has contacts that make with the pellet and they don't last forever. VATS locks out a start for 6 minutes if it doesn't read the correct resistance pellet. The next time it won't start remove the hush panel above drivers feet and locate the two white wires from the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector. With the key inserted in the ign, unplug the connector and measure the resistance across the 2 wires from the column. It should measure the same as your pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new ignition tumbler. You can temporarily bypass VATS by clipping a fixed resistor the same value as the pellet across the 2 pins that go into the wiring harness (goes to the VATS module). You can use a 5% 1/4 watt resistor from Radio Shack. Don't permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition. Get a new ign tumbler. I did 10 years ago with no problems since and I drive my 87 every day.
Another source of VATS problems is the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic). Try jumping the clutch safety switch if the ign tumbler checks ok.
Another source of VATS problems is the clutch safety switch (gear selector switch if automatic). Try jumping the clutch safety switch if the ign tumbler checks ok.
