security ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I know Mid America has a bypass you can hook up and it's inexpensive. I don't have any knowledge of how well it actually works but someone else may have better suggestions.
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Feb 28, 2009 at 03:54 PM. Reason: spelling
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
The pellet on the key is actually a resistor. It's called VATS, Vehicle Anti Theft System. When you plug it into the ignition, the computer reads the resistance and makes sure it's correct. What happens is that, over time, dirt can get on the key and inside the cylinder and make those readings change. First, I'd try cleaning the key real well, then also cleaning the inside of the ignition cylinder as best you can. That might be all that is needed. Sometimes people have real trouble with this system, so there are bypass kits out there you can buy, but I wouldn't unless you really have to.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Clean the key with alcohol or you might just need a new key.Go to the dealer,he will plug the key into a machine,determine which chip you have and cut you a new key.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,397
Likes: 22
From: Rockledge Florida
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '14, '24
solve the problem.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Sylvania Ohio
How much alcohol do I need. 6 beers into it and it don't matter if the key won't work, cause now my wife took it away, and said I can't drive even if it does start. But seriously, I've tried cleaning the key, and that didn't help, but I'm gonna try and clean out the lock cylinder, and see if that helps. then I'll take the key in to the dealer and have them cut a new one. I knew that they made a bypass for the VATS, but I wasn't sure if that is the first way to go. NOW, if it is not the key, what do I need to replace to fix it, and is it worth it?
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,305
Likes: 241
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Go here for info on bypass http://www.vatssucks.com/
Go here to learn about and diagnose VATS. http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf
Go here to learn about and diagnose VATS. http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Go here for info on bypass http://www.vatssucks.com/
Go here to learn about and diagnose VATS. http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf
Go here to learn about and diagnose VATS. http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Vats%20Electrical.pdf
That reminds me, one of these days gotta go help my bro and his '87 with starting problems... it's tough being the more handy/mechanically inclined brother.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
i have a question. Is it the 86 to 89 C4 that has the biggest problem with the VATS, or is it all C4s? I have never had any issues with my 90 as of yet, KNOCK KNOCK on wood.
