C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Eliminate VATS

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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 11:07 AM
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Default Eliminate VATS

Does anyone know how to completely eliminate the VATS system from a later C4? I know about the bypass that fools the computer but what about taking the VATS all the way out? I'm replacing the steering column so the ignition switch, fuel pump, lights, fan and ASR switches will all be mounted to the roll cage since the dash is already gone. That's why I want to eliminate the VATS.
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 11:22 AM
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These guys or any tuner can write it out.

http://www.pcmforless.com/

The bypass you buy has nothing to do with the steering column. It eliminates the circuit that goes from a connection below the column to the key switch and back. The ECM looks for a certain resistance (key pill) to complete a circuit so the car will start. You can also measure the resistance (key pill) and build a resistor to loop back to the ECM.
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by GS023
These guys or any tuner can write it out.

http://www.pcmforless.com/

The bypass you buy has nothing to do with the steering column. It eliminates the circuit that goes from a connection below the column to the key switch and back. The ECM looks for a certain resistance (key pill) to complete a circuit so the car will start. You can also measure the resistance (key pill) and build a resistor to loop back to the ECM.
Thanks. I had asked them before if they could take it out and they told me no. They've done several tunes for me. I'll ask Bryan again. Maybe we weren't on the same page at the time.

And yes, I realize the bypass has nothing to do with the column. I referenced it only because since the computer looks for the ignition key and the key is being eliminated from the system, it was a way of explaining why I need to get the VATS out of the car. There will not be a key ignition on the car anymore so I have to work around the VATS. I just want to get the VATS completely out of the system so I don't have to worry about it failing. And any additional wiring I can remove is a plus.
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 11:55 AM
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It is a very small circuit and would be easy to get out of the way once the bypass is installed. Dont remember the color right now. Ecklers carries the bypass but you need to know the key #. Will be reliable also.

http://www.ecklers.com/catalogsearch...stem&x=12&y=11
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by GS023
These guys or any tuner can write it out.

http://www.pcmforless.com/

The bypass you buy has nothing to do with the steering column. It eliminates the circuit that goes from a connection below the column to the key switch and back. The ECM looks for a certain resistance (key pill) to complete a circuit so the car will start. You can also measure the resistance (key pill) and build a resistor to loop back to the ECM.
If you program the ECM VATS constant and set it to a "NO" (OFF), the car still honks when the door is opened (and the electric door lock is set). It is supposed to tell the ECM to ignore the key "pill" though.
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 12:19 PM
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Well there's no horn and no door locks. Would the ECM then go into some kind of trouble state looking for a place to send that signal?
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 12:23 PM
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PCMforless wrote mine out on my track car (96). Also no horn, doors gutted, no issues. Maybe because yours being OBD1 is why they cant do anything?
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 12:29 PM
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Maybe. I sent Bryan an e-mail asking about it. I wish I had known about the ECM issue for 94s before I started building this thing.
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Old Feb 4, 2011 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by GS023
Maybe because yours being OBD1 is why they cant do anything?
Shouldn't make a difference, all you have to do is disable VATS on the tune as GP said and the PCM does not look for the fuel enable signal from VATS.

Originally Posted by jwt1603
I wish I had known about the ECM issue for 94s before I started building this thing.
VATS is a factor in every C4 since '86

Originally Posted by jwt1603
Would the ECM then go into some kind of trouble state looking for a place to send that signal?
Doesn't send , it receives the fuel signal from VATS ( part of the CCM in your car).
If programmed to look for signal ,the PCM will not pulse the injectors without that signal input

Originally Posted by jwt1603
I had asked them before if they could take it out and they told me no. Maybe we weren't on the same page at the time..
It is a option on their tuning order sheet for 93+ cars
see
http://www.pcmforless.com/index.php?...id=5&Itemid=43

Originally Posted by GS023
It is a very small circuit and would be easy to get out of the way once the bypass is installed. . Ecklers carries the bypass but you need to know the key #. ]
That only eliminates the key reader.
VATS ( and all wiring ) is still in place and functional, just that the module "thinks" the correct key is being used

This is a true VATS eliminator;
http://www.bakerelectronix.com/products_vats/

it supplies the correct fuel enable signal needed by the ECM/PCM to pulse the injectors
Need to manually bypass the starter enable relay component of VATS ( so all VATS wiring can be removed ) but not a problem with setup OP is using

Last edited by rodj; Feb 4, 2011 at 05:21 PM.
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Old Feb 5, 2011 | 07:00 AM
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Rodj,

Yes I know VATS was put in 86 and newer vettes. I am referring to the ECM itself and the challenge finding a realisticly priced code reader for it. Auto Xrays are a lot of money when I can get a reader that does the same thing for a 93 and older or 95/96 for a lot less money. I've called several of the code reader makers and they have all told me the 94 Corvette is excluded from their readers.

But they say they'll read a 94 Impala with an LT1??

Here's a quote from Bryan at PCMforless....."I can shut off the injector shutoff part of the vats. The starter and fuel pump part of the vats can be bypassed then by jumping out the VATS relay".

Since the ECM reprogramming does not eliminate the entire VATS issue I guess I'll just order the bypass from Eckler's. Seems like the easiest fix.

Thanks guys.
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Old Feb 5, 2011 | 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by jwt1603
The starter and fuel pump part of the vats can be bypassed then by jumping out the VATS relay".

Since the ECM reprogramming does not eliminate the entire VATS issue I guess I'll just order the bypass from Eckler's. Seems like the easiest fix.
You miss understand
The programming takes out the requirement for the fuel enable signal to PCM.
Removing the relay is a simple as joining two wires together at the relay.
In a pre '90 car , you could then physically remove the VATS module and associated wiring.
With later cars like yours ,VATS is part of the CCM so all you could remove is the key to CCM wiring
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Old Feb 5, 2011 | 07:22 AM
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No need to do a complete removal of VATs. I disabled it very effectively when I did my push-to-start conversion. Push-To-Start
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Old Feb 5, 2011 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by rodj
You miss understand
The programming takes out the requirement for the fuel enable signal to PCM.
Removing the relay is a simple as joining two wires together at the relay.
In a pre '90 car , you could then physically remove the VATS module and associated wiring.
With later cars like yours ,VATS is part of the CCM so all you could remove is the key to CCM wiring
I can't find my sheet from when Bryan did the programming. I've asked him to check his records and see what he can find. If the box was there on the order form I would think I would have checked it off. At least I hope I would have!
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Old Feb 5, 2011 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by jwt1603
I can't find my sheet from when Bryan did the programming. I've asked him to check his records and see what he can find. If the box was there on the order form I would think I would have checked it off. At least I hope I would have!
If you really want to know, you could always have a spare key cut (w/o the pill of course). If it starts, you programmed it out!
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Old Feb 6, 2011 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
If you really want to know, you could always have a spare key cut (w/o the pill of course). If it starts, you programmed it out!
I'm sure Bryan keeps all programming records and could tell you.

Just unplug the circuit under the steering column. If it starts it's written out.
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by GS023
I'm sure Bryan keeps all programming records and could tell you.

Just unplug the circuit under the steering column. If it starts it's written out.
I'll check the FSM when I get home tonight and see which circuit it is.
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 08:35 AM
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Default Vats

I rechipped without VATS - this was a plug it on the right side, under dash, daughter plug in. I also had the fans turn on a little earlier at the same time. Than there is a bypass that needs to be spliced behind the heater ac panel. these 2 things killed VAT. I wasted time on the key resistor and a plug in resistor in the column - Also, there is an alarm that is 100% independent.

Life without VATs means I walk less and drive more
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To Eliminate VATS

Old Feb 7, 2011 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by rodj
You miss understand
The programming takes out the requirement for the fuel enable signal to PCM.
Removing the relay is a simple as joining two wires together at the relay.
In a pre '90 car , you could then physically remove the VATS module and associated wiring.
With later cars like yours ,VATS is part of the CCM so all you could remove is the key to CCM wiring
Bryan at PCM for less looked it up. The VATS signal to injectors is taken out. Which relay is it that needs to be jumpered out?
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Old Feb 7, 2011 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by jwt1603
Which relay is it that needs to be jumpered out?
Starter enable relay
FSM should have colors; should be the two heavier wires
(pre '90 cars are grn/wht and purple)


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Old Mar 4, 2011 | 11:56 AM
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go to www.newrockies.com and read about the PRO VATS full bypass. I just finished installing mine and everything is working great.
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