I have a 86 Vette car runs and performs excellent, however from time to time when I go to start the car, it wont recognize my key and the dash lights up but car wont start I wait a few minutes try again and it starts no problem. I am fairly sure my problem is related to the VATS system.

Is there any way to disable the VATS system all together??? I find it to be nothing but trouble and I dont want to buy a new key and tumbler.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

The VATS is controlled by the ECM. Changing locks will only work if the key stays the same VATS number, of which there are 15 possibilities. Disabling your VATS would be an easier solution. Go to a locksmith, they will test your key and be able to sell you a module to disable VATS. Remove the underdash panel on the driver side. You will easily spot a two-wire grouping, I believe yellow/orange and white, just to the right of the steering column. You will notice that it disconnects in the middle. Disconnect it, insert the module you got from the locksmith (into the wire going towards the firewall). Voila, VATS is now disabled. The module will cost you $25 - and your car will never not start because of VATS. It'll actually take longer to remove the underdash panel than it will to locate the wire and insert the module.

 

Usually the key wears down before the steering wheel tumbler.
I'd buy a new key and see if that fixes your problem.

If you don't want to go that route then just do as said above and find out your key code and buy the bypass module.
You can get them also from Mid America Corvette and Ecklers. Just make sure you order the right coded one.

 

Ah VATS, the first thing people blame and usually the last thing it is. 95% of the time iit's something else,, and 4 out of the remaining 5 times it's a contaminated key. If the security light goes out, it's not the VATS, check that FIRST, There are alot of things that will cause your problem, ALL of them more likely than the VATS. We go through this every week, usually a couple of times, you might check the search function (they start out with, crippled the VATS, still have the problem). Save yourself alot of time and trouble, The VATS keeps your car from being stolen, it works.

 

I am sure on my car its the vats system that is acting up dirty key is enough to make me want to get rid of the vats, i dont like the idea of being locked out of my own car having to sit and wait 5 minutes before i start it.

Anyways how do I find out what vats code I have ???

 

You can take your key to a dealership and have them insert it into a reader.
Or if you own (or can borrow one) a digital volt/ohm meter go to this site:
http://vatssucks.com/

click on the left side of page "PassKey ignition switch" and it will take you to how to read your own key value.

VATS is very useful and can keep your car from being stolen when it is working properly. When it's not working right it can be the most frustrating thing in the world!

 

99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition. VATS prevents this kind of theft. Locks don't last forever and a new lock has new contacts that make connection with the pellet. About 6 years ago I had this problem and bypassed VATS so I could drive the car to my mechanic and get the lock replaced. I haven't had a problem since and I drive my 87 every day! The person I bought my 87 from took delivery of a 90 vette and one day they came out of work to find their driver window busted out and the column busted, but the car hadn't budged an inch. I don't think you want to find out the hard way what your insurance company values your car at! Keep your car in good repair!
For the life of me I cannot understand why anyone would not replace the lock when they have VATS problems and then get more and more angry that they can't start their car over and over and over. Fix it and get on with your life!

 

Yes, but unless you post a sticker on the drivers door indicating that you have disabled the VATS, a thief will pass your car.

 

If you REALLY have been delayed because of a VATS issue, code 46 will be stored in the ECM. A quick check of stored codes might shed some light.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Code%2046.pdf

 

The person that attempted to steal the 90 vette from the previous owner of my 87 didn't just walk by the 90! Explain that. Most thieves aren't very smart. Go to OT and read tcl71's post about his stolen ex cop car he had. It got stolen and crashed and he is out a car. If it had VATS he would still be driving it!

 

I just went through this. i have an 86E, with 130,000 miles. The starter wore out. the plastic positive brush holders were expanding from the heat, and lifting the brushes off the armature.
It would start, drive 2 miles, when I shut it off, it won't start. then when it cools down a little, vroom, starts right back up.

 

Hmmm....

Seems to be the precise problem I'm having with my '86!

 

I install a bypass module and switch the ground. The bypass module cost less than half the cost of a tow when the vats system finally causes an issue. The switched ground allows me to enable VATS anytime I want and bypass it anytime I want if the event arrises. The reason I did this is because I have a '85 column with no reader for the key. Vats is pretty easy to bypass with a simple familiarization of the system, even in "the field". Most vehicles are stolen with a flat bed anyway. VATS won't help you there.

In many municipalities the laws are much stricter if you "OPERATE a vehicle without the owners concent". Using a flat bed you aren't operating the car. If the car's value is below a certain value (like an older 'vette) the laws are even less stringent. Many semi pro and expecially professional thiefs use flat bed trucks to heist vehicles. How many times have you seen a car on a flat bed with the alarm going off? no one thinks twice.

If they want it,they're going to get it.

I'm not saying VATS is a valueless system but people make it seem like their car is theft proof with VATS working. It provides marginal security over a car with no system at all but if you are really concerned with security get a GPS locating device and bury it DEEP within the car. You *MAY* have a chance there.