security/alarm issues
This just started 2 days ago.
Any way of turning off the factory alarm system? My Viper alarm seems to work fine.
Last edited by frannyzvette; May 22, 2006 at 01:30 PM.
The VATS Bypass Modules that you see in the Corvette catalogs cost anywhere from $30 - $50. Add to that shipping and sales tax where applicable and you’re looking at $35 for a resistor that you can pick up at Radio Shack for under $1! Another problem with the bypass modules is that you have to know what code value (1-15) to buy. That means you'll have to go to a dealer that can use their VATS Interrogator. If you take a multi-meter and measure the resistance between the metal contacts on either side of your key, you can buy a resistor of this value at any Radio Shack store. ¼ watt will do. You then need to remove the hush panel under the steering column. Disconnect C281 (two-cavity connector at base of steering column with two black wires in the female end and one yellow and one brown wire in the male end). Your newly purchased resistor goes into the male side of this connector, so you'll need to crimp a couple of female pins to the resistor legs. If you insist on purchasing the VATS bypass from one of the Corvette catalogs, again measure the resistance of your key pellet and compare it to the code chart to find your code. It is also possible to reprogram the PROM to ignore the VATS signal, but that is beyond the scope of this article. The real fix came from GM in July of 1988 as TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN number 88-292. This TSB includes the part number for a new ignition cylinder that has better contacts. Keys have also been updated that are slightly longer and have the better contacts. This virtually eliminates VATS problems caused by connections. You still want to keep your key clean and dry, but with the TSB competed, you should enjoy VATS problem free starting for a good long time.





