VATS questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
VATS questions
Okay folks, I promise I've searched the threads for my specific VATS question and I haven't found the exact problem I am having...at least as far as I can tell.
I have a 1996 6spd LT4 CE
I changed out the starter because the starter motor went out (just got the click of the solonoid when I hit the starter). Now that I've changed the starter I have an intermittent VATS issue...I think. When I hit the key I get nothing but a small voltage drop on the gauge. I checked the clutch safety switch as best I can. With the key in "start" I pump the clutch and I get a voltage drop when I depress the clutch. Maybe that doesn't mean anything but it's the easiest test I could think of.
I saw an excellent post on checking the ign lock cylinder by checking the resistance at the wires under the steering wheel and my readings show that I'm within .02 kOhms from the resistance on the pellet on the key. The only thing I can think of that's left is the VATS decoder/module or whatever it is called itself.
So...1) I can't seem to find VATS decoders or modules for sale anywhere...any suggestions? and 2) Is there anything else that this could be and how would I check for it?
I posted this in the general discussion area as well...sorry if that's against the rules someone can lock one of them.
I have a 1996 6spd LT4 CE
I changed out the starter because the starter motor went out (just got the click of the solonoid when I hit the starter). Now that I've changed the starter I have an intermittent VATS issue...I think. When I hit the key I get nothing but a small voltage drop on the gauge. I checked the clutch safety switch as best I can. With the key in "start" I pump the clutch and I get a voltage drop when I depress the clutch. Maybe that doesn't mean anything but it's the easiest test I could think of.
I saw an excellent post on checking the ign lock cylinder by checking the resistance at the wires under the steering wheel and my readings show that I'm within .02 kOhms from the resistance on the pellet on the key. The only thing I can think of that's left is the VATS decoder/module or whatever it is called itself.
So...1) I can't seem to find VATS decoders or modules for sale anywhere...any suggestions? and 2) Is there anything else that this could be and how would I check for it?
I posted this in the general discussion area as well...sorry if that's against the rules someone can lock one of them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,316
Likes: 246
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Sounds like it could be a problem with dirty/loose connection to battery and/or starter.
Can you get a test light on small terminal of solenoid and check it for power while someone attempts cranking ? That would clear up the VATS question.
Can you get a test light on small terminal of solenoid and check it for power while someone attempts cranking ? That would clear up the VATS question.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
had similar intermittent prob with my lt1 buick roaddie...traced to start relay (vats controlled) under dash using gator clip from 'little solenoid post', 16 ga insulated wire around hood, thru pass door (softseal won't mind for short time), to 'telltale' LED...subsequent discuss with top-line GM tech guy yielded 'that relay is the prob 99% of the time'
telltale LED should lite up every time key is turned to 'start', indics 12v IS sent to solenoid.
Last edited by redrose; Dec 18, 2009 at 05:39 PM.
