I'm writing about a problem with my 1989 vette.

Original owner (a friend) installed a viper system over/along with the VATS. Ugh.. Friend died a year ago so we cannot look to him for advice. Car will not start..doesn't make a sound. The lights will come on, the VATS appears to want to work, light flash, warning tones.

Husband has researched until his head might explode and has tried several fixes but nothing is working. We figure we will probably have to take this to Tony's (we are located in Southern Maryland) but we have somewhat limited funds right now so if there is anything anyone can recommend, we would truly appreciate it!

Thanks so much.

 

I am taking it that your alarm used to work and the car did start until recently? if that is the case they usually install a separate relay that works the ignition cut off for the Viper so that if the alarm goes off it kills the ignition. So off the top of my head, you have one of two problems. Either your VATS has a problem (possibly the key is dirty?) or the new relay for the VIPER froze he installed. No way to tell except to diagnose the problem. First thing I would do is try your second key and see if the fix is key related.

On an 89 I believe you can use the resistor trick to bypass the VATS, which is cheap to do if you have some electrical knowledge. You can also bypass the original starter relay so the car will crank. Now you probably have two, one for the viper and the other came from GM. But beware that certain years also had the CCM send a signal to the ECM to cut off the fuel injectors so the car won't start either. For about $60 you can get the little VAT eliminator that is plug and play. I just installed the one from Mid America and it works great.

Good luck, sorry I could not be of more help.

 

Thanks for your response Flame.

A big thanks to Hooked On Vettes who actually made a house call. She's back on the road!

 

The previous owner of my Vette also did away with the VATS and installed a Viper alarm. I just found it and the relay for the first time the other day trying to program a new remote I bought. I don't exactly know how it's wired but my Viper has the wiring inputs/outputs on the back of the box. It looks like your typcal inputs.. 12v constant on, switched ignition on, and chassis ground. It doesnt look like it would be too hard to figure out. I guess you would need a GM factory service manual for the wiring diagram and knowledge of how the relay works for the alarm. I don't remember where but I've also been able to find manuals for different Viper alarm systems online.