Key Pellet Question
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
The resistor works just fine on the 95 and 96's. The only difference between them and the 1990 models is that you have to disconnect the resistor each time you start the car. You can't just leave the resistor hooked up. The switch mentioned above works fine.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Acworth Ga
A couple of point here on the VATS. The pellet resistor circuit can be modified with a resistor of the same value to disable VATS. It will work if done correctly on all models. Second the "Security" light should illuminate when shutting down the vehicle and removing the key. This shows the VATS is resetting itself to arm for the next starting attempt. If you don't see the "Security" light it may be burned out. Is it worth the trouble to tear apart the instrument panel to change the bulb? Not to me but...................
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
Interesting. That would mean that the key would have to be removed every time the car is shut down. To the OP: Do you leave the key in the switch while the car is in your shop?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: McPherson Kansas
Security light on my car does work and I noticed this afternoon that it comes on when I open the door. Once the door is closed it goes off...when I start the car, it's off also.
Interesting note, might not be related and it's only happened once that I'm aware of. I have a manual 6-spd. I was backing out of the driveway, at night, and there was a quick 'flash' of light. I wasn't sure what it was but as I remembered the light I also remembered hearing the door locks cycle to, I think, the unlock position. The flash of light was a very quick cycle of the interior lights. Again, this only happened once...thought it was strange but haven't thought too much about it. As, as I said before, I'm guess its not related.
Greg
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
Try removing the key momentarily after parking in your garage. Then place it back in the cylinder after a few moments for the next trip. See if the issue persists.
I'd like to hear from some '95-'96 owners as to whether their car will restart without removing the key after shutdown.
I'd like to hear from some '95-'96 owners as to whether their car will restart without removing the key after shutdown.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,798
Likes: 5,628
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I'm afraid a new cylinder is in my future also. I can completely rotate the cylinder without a key. The car won't start without the key, which is a good thing, but everything else works (radio, heater, fan etc).
Did the new cylinder they installed have the VATS system? If it was up to me, I would rather not have it. Just another electrical gremlin with the potential of making you pull your hair out.
Greg
Did the new cylinder they installed have the VATS system? If it was up to me, I would rather not have it. Just another electrical gremlin with the potential of making you pull your hair out.
Greg
I can tell you I never had issue again, but remember you will be getting new set keys.
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Medford, Or
Try removing the key momentarily after parking in your garage. Then place it back in the cylinder after a few moments for the next trip. See if the issue persists.
I'd like to hear from some '95-'96 owners as to whether their car will restart without removing the key after shutdown.
I'd like to hear from some '95-'96 owners as to whether their car will restart without removing the key after shutdown.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: El Paso TX
Did I miss any scenario?
Oops two more, started car, shut down, security light on, left key in and opened door then shut door, security light off, restarted no problems. Turned key off, did not open door, security light flashing waited for it to go out before opening door, got tired of waiting concluded experiment.
ps. when I say security light on, in every instance I meant flashing.
Last edited by 95tripleblack; Dec 29, 2011 at 07:51 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I had one key that worked and one that stopped working on a 96 Impala SS that I had.
Rather than buying new keys, I did a VATS bypass. I didn't know any better and just tried wiring the right resister permanently into the circuit. I didn't use a relay or anything else.
It worked for at least 10 years before I sold the car.
I don't know if the Corvettes are different or not, but the VATS bypass still sounds like a good idea to me.
Rather than buying new keys, I did a VATS bypass. I didn't know any better and just tried wiring the right resister permanently into the circuit. I didn't use a relay or anything else.
It worked for at least 10 years before I sold the car.
I don't know if the Corvettes are different or not, but the VATS bypass still sounds like a good idea to me.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
It sounds like the '95-'96 VATS is no different than the '86-'94 VATS. With that being the case, the simple fix would be the plug in resistor that can be found in the parts catalogs from supporting vendors.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
The CCM equipped cars look for a change of resistance and the correct resistance when key turned.
The early cars only look for the correct resistance which is why the permanent resistor trick works
read
http://www.vatssucks.com/
On CCM cars you either get VATS programmed out
or install a fuel enable signal generator that supplies the correct signal to the ECM/PCM
( you also have to bypass the starter enable relay to fully delete VATS )
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Example: Pull into a drive in burger place (like Sonic), park and shut off engine without removing key.
When your ready to go, car starts right back up.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
Interesting. It seems that we have conflicting info here. Sources are saying that the '95-'96 system cannot be disabled only by using the resistor. On the other hand, owners are saying that the key can be left in and restarted. I fail to see how leaving the key in is any different than wiring in the resistor. Maybe the slight movement of the key changes the resistance?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 855
Likes: 36
From: Crystal Springs MS
Interesting. It seems that we have conflicting info here. Sources are saying that the '95-'96 system cannot be disabled only by using the resistor. On the other hand, owners are saying that the key can be left in and restarted. I fail to see how leaving the key in is any different than wiring in the resistor. Maybe the slight movement of the key changes the resistance?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: McPherson Kansas
OP UPDATE:
Over the last week I have been using my 2nd set of keys on my car with a 'pellet' that is visibly in much better shape. So far the car has started every time. I have also started the car many times after not pulling the key...sometimes only a few minutes had passed between tries. I have been watching for the security light and on my car it's not consistent. Usually when the key is in the ignition and the door is open I'll see a blinking security idiot light...but not always. I have never seen the security light in any other situation as of now.
I'm not yet convinced my problem was or is with my key. I'm hoping it is but time will tell.
Thanks to everyone for all the input and help...if nothing else, I've learned a lot about my 95's VATS system!!
Greg
Over the last week I have been using my 2nd set of keys on my car with a 'pellet' that is visibly in much better shape. So far the car has started every time. I have also started the car many times after not pulling the key...sometimes only a few minutes had passed between tries. I have been watching for the security light and on my car it's not consistent. Usually when the key is in the ignition and the door is open I'll see a blinking security idiot light...but not always. I have never seen the security light in any other situation as of now.
I'm not yet convinced my problem was or is with my key. I'm hoping it is but time will tell.
Thanks to everyone for all the input and help...if nothing else, I've learned a lot about my 95's VATS system!!
Greg
