VATS Key Test
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: VATS Key Test (Raysur)
Look at the ign key, see the black pad with the minus sign? There is a precision resistor connected between each metal strip and your VATS compares this resistance to its standard, if it isn't within about 2%, then it will not close the start enable relay and your starter will be as quiet as after a fart in church. Measuring the value of this resistor will do absolutely nothing for your car, but someday when your starter won't crank, then you can measure the resistance of the two pin plug at the base of your steering column under the carpet after you unplug it (measure the side coming from the column , and not the wires going to the passenger side) and with the key in the sw. If you measure very high or infinity, then your ign sw contacts that touch the pellet is worn out and you can now enrich the GM coffers with a donation for a new ign sw.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Riverview Florida
Re: VATS Key Test (jfb)
Since I live in Florida, farts in church are the rule rather than the exception :D .
But seriously folks...
I need to know how to measure the resistance so I can perform a VATS bypass. The car refuses to start about every 4th or 5th time. Wait 4 minutes and its good to go. Am I correct in thinking the VATS is giving up or, with 135,000 on the car, is it more likely switch or key wear? The problem persists with use of either of the 2 keys that came with the car.
But seriously folks...
I need to know how to measure the resistance so I can perform a VATS bypass. The car refuses to start about every 4th or 5th time. Wait 4 minutes and its good to go. Am I correct in thinking the VATS is giving up or, with 135,000 on the car, is it more likely switch or key wear? The problem persists with use of either of the 2 keys that came with the car.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Re: VATS Key Test (es)
es, You need a good digital voltmeter. Measure the resistance across the resistor pellet in the key.... What's that ?? As noted above it is a special resistor embedded in the key and insulated by the black stuff. In the middle of the black area, if you touch the shiny metal point with the voltmeter probes on either side of the key, you'll get a resistance number... They should range from 402 ohms to 11,800 ohms, so you might have to change ranges to get the correct number. Each key code has a specific resistance, they are: code 1 - 402 ohms; code 2 - 523 ohms; code 3 - 681 ohms code 4 887; code 5 - 1130 ohms; code 6 - 1470; code 7 -1870; code 8 - 2370; code 9 - 3010; code 10 - 3740; code 11 - 4750; code 12 - 6040; code 13 - 7500; code 14 - 9530; code 15 - 11800 Hope this helps.........
