Anybody have info regarding VATS INTEROGATOR, Dealer is qouting me 6-15 hr labor to use this to determine what the resistance is on the CCM that in the car now I think he`s trying hosing me. I have someone checking for me now.

 

Here is one bulletin on the subject....I'll look for more info as well:

KEY REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES WITH ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM #86-38 - (Feb 6, 1986)
KEY REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES WITH VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (VATS)

Model and Year: 1986 CORVETTE --------------

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

This bulletin is to inform dealers of the availability of Key Blank (Part Number 26003228). Using this inexpensive Key Blank without the resistance pellet, rather than one of the 15 available with the resistance pellet will reduce dealer and customer cost.

Dealers should use service Key Blank (Part Number 26003228) when the mechanical code must be cut for use with the VATS Interrogator (J-35628 or equivalent).

Follow the Service Manual procedure listed in Section 8A, Electrical Diagnosis, of the 1986 Corvette Loose Leaf Service Manual (ST-387-86) or the 1986 Corvette Shop Manual (ST-364-86).

 

Here is another bulletin (no labor times were included, but it can take some time to go through every possible VATS code if the original is unknown. I seem to remember it takes 30 minutes per attempt, as the system locks you out after a failed attempt). Hope this helps:

INTERMITTENT NO START CAUSED BY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM #88-292-8A - (Aug 17, 1988)
Some 1986-87 Corvettes have been returned to dealerships for repair because of an intermittent no-start condition. In some cases, the vehicle may start after waiting for approximately 2 minutes.

This condition could be caused by a damaged ignition lock cylinder or damaged resistor pellet inside the ignition key. This causes the VATS module to sense an intermittent resistance value or open circuit at the pellet, which then shuts the system down for approximately 2 minutes. (Refer to the 1986 Corvette Shop Manual pages 8A-133-6 through 8A-133-13 or the VATS Pro Tech PTF-1 booklet for a moredetailed description of the system.)

An improved ignition lock cylinder with a narrower keyway and an improved longer ignition key are now available from GMSPO to repair vehicles with this condition. Vehicles that come in for other mechanical lock cylinder problems should also have the improved lock cylinder installed.

PARTS INFORMATION Ignition Lock Cylinder P/N 26008775

IGNITION KEY PART NUMBERS 26009031 Code # 1 26009032 Code # 2 26009033 Code # 3 26009034 Code # 4 26009035 Code # 5 26009036 Code # 6 26009037 Code # 7 26009038 Code # 8 26009039 Code # 9 26009040 Code #10 26009041 Code #11 26009042 Code #12 26009043 Code #13 26009044 Code #14 26009045 Code #15

New keys (3) must be ordered when replacing the lock cylinder. Check the old key to obtain the proper code to order using the (J35628) VATS Interrogator. Original design lock cylinders will operate with new design keys, however, new design lock cylinder, P/N 26008775, will not operate with original design keys.

Notice: Vehicles built after VIN H5120579 have the improved lock cylinder and longer keys in them.

Use applicable labor operation.

 

What year?

IIRC, I thought there is just 16 or so different pellets
and that all they needed to do was use a meter to
measure the resistance of a pellet on a functional key.

Assuming this is correct, I suppose someone would
still need to fall back to Plan 'B' if a key isn't available.

Edit: Ok, you have a '93 and you are trying to install
a second hand CCM but you are running into several
obstacles.

Sorry - ignore my post. Hope someone comes through
for you.

.