Is the security light supposed to go out when the key is turned to the on position or when you start the car? Last night the car wouldn't even turn over. The alarm light would be flashing with the door open and stay lit when the key was turned to the on position and then go off when attempting to start it. Well this morning the light goes off when the key is turned to the on position and will start fine. Would that describe the infamous VATS problems everone talks about?

 

If the starter doesnt click at all its most likely the vats. You have to wait 7 minutes(?) for it to reset.

 

ttt

 

Does anyone have any pics of the type of resister needed to bypass the vats? Will Radio shack be able to get the resistance reading off of my key?

 

You probably would be better off going to a Chevy dealer to check the key.

 

Radio Shack can get the resistance for you as well as VATS key codes and values. Sounds like a VATS problem. Did you wait the 7 minutes as jimmers suggested?

 

If the alarm (security) light goes OUT after turning the key to the ON position it is NOT the vats. It usually take a second or two so you might not have given it enough time. The security light WILL flash during start on a vats problem. Summertime cause more Vats problems than others due to wet keys. (persperation, rain, beer etc.) Alot of time just wiping the key and making an effort to keep it dry will take care of the problem. You can take the key to a dealer or a lock smith and they will tell you which key it is and the resistance value. Go to radio shack and they will sell you a resister for $2. This is NOT recommended, the vats key is good protection for your car, and other than the above mentioned problems usually works well. Usually after doing all of this you'll still have the problem and be REALLY pissed!

 

[QUOTE Sounds like a VATS problem. Did you wait the 7 minutes as jimmers suggested?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link! I waited the few minutes and it will start. Today it fires up every time. The security light flashes like normal with the door open but when you turn the key on it goes out. Last night the light flashed with the door open but stayed lit with the key on and it wouldn't start.

 

1. Read the key yourself, see picture below...
2. Everyone will tell you to goto to Radio Shack for resistors. Have them tell you what part number you should buy. The reason I say this is you might find 3 of the 15 value needed. Even these may or may not work since they are not precision resistors. Radio shack only sells basic resistors.
3. My recommendation is, goto the Pic-n-Pull junk yard and get a connector and make you own VATS bypass. The connector is the most easily found connector on 1990's and 2000's model cars. The easiest connector to find is the ones located in the visors (the ones that light), but you can also find them in the seat belts, the mirrors, basically anywhere they have a 1 pair wire. I use both the male and female connector on mine. I just bought a double pole, single throw switch from Radio shack. I put the resistor on one side, and wiring normal on the other side. So you can VATS, and VATS bypass. Total cost $4... 1 hour labor...
4. If you can't find a source for the resistor you need. Just send me a SASE and I will send you some. Free, just because.... Just PM me...
5. You need PT-146, you will just put the resistor on the pigtail leads. This way your wiring is never cut....

 

Thanks for the detailed info. I'm going to try bypassing the vats this weekend. I'll let you know how it turns out.