A few weeks ago I posted about a starting problem. I assumed it was the starter solenoid since it would not start once the engine was warm. Put the key in, turn it, the dash lights go on but the starter doesn't turn. I replaced the starter since it was older. Seemed to help until this weekend. I tried to start it and the same problem.
I tried the automatic transmission in P and N. NO difference. I then though, I wonder if there is a code. Sure enough, code 46...VATS. Someone told me that it should turn over but not start. They also thought that perhaps one of my door locks was a problem. Perhaps I should rebuild my ignition switch.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

Had the same problem with my '86. Very common, it's the dreaded VATS. And no, the starter will not engage. You will turn the key and there will be nothing. Turn your headlights on when trying this will not dim your lights. Remember this, every time you try to start your car after trying it the first time with no results, it takes 4 minutes for the system to re-set itself. In other words, if you keep trying to start the car, the system re-sets itself to 4 minutes. Very frustrating. What can you do? There are a number of bypass systems you can purchase that will disable it, or any good electrical shop can do it (probably cheaper). In the mean time try this: Clean the pellets on the side of your ignition key. Any dirt or oil will prevent the pellets from making good contact with the points inside the ignition. The contact points wear out on older cars like ours, so short of getting a new key, you can very gently pry the contacts together (be careful not to break them) so the pellets make good contact. A temporary solution at best, do this only in a pinch. Better yet, do what I did and disable the darn thing before it leaves you stranded at a bad time. Hope this helps...

 

Refer to this....http://vatssucks.com/

Or this provided by AGENT 86...http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Code%2046.pdf

 

Code 46 sets when the VATS module does not detect the correct pellet resistance after the ignition switch is turned on. You can bypass VATS until you can get your ignition lock replaced which will have new contacts that make connection to the pellet, by the following process. Remove the kick panel above the drivers feet and find the 2 wires from above the steering column that plugs into a socket. Unplug and connect across the 2 pin socket from the wiring harness a fixed resistor the same value as your pellet. You can use a 1/4 watt 5% resistor from Radio Shack, but be aware that the resistance value must be within about 4% of the assigned value. You may have to buy and measure a number of resistors, or connect parallel or series resistors to obtain the correct resistance. Do not permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
My 87 left me stranded at church and I installed the resistor until my mechanic could replace the ignition lock. I haven't had a problem since and that was about 8 years ago and I drive my 87 everyday. Keep your car in good repair! You don't want to find out the hard way what your insurance company values your vette at!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!