VATS problem
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
VATS problem
Hi Everyone. I'm a new member today. I have an 88 anniversary edition that has been giving me starting problems for 23 years now. I have replaced all the electronics that are connected to the security system and still have the no start (intermitantly) problem. I have just sent my ECM chip to Harris Performance to have the vats deleted. Hopefully that will solve this. Brian told me to ground a blk wire with a yellow stripe from the starter enable relay to complete this. I don't have one. Mine are 2 large yellows 1 large grn/wht and one small grn. Which one do you think he is referring to?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Hi Everyone. I'm a new member today. I have an 88 anniversary edition that has been giving me starting problems for 23 years now. I have replaced all the electronics that are connected to the security system and still have the no start (intermitantly) problem. I have just sent my ECM chip to Harris Performance to have the vats deleted. Hopefully that will solve this. Brian told me to ground a blk wire with a yellow stripe from the starter enable relay to complete this. I don't have one. Mine are 2 large yellows 1 large grn/wht and one small grn. Which one do you think he is referring to?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 41
From: Baltimore, MD USA
You ground the small Dark Green wire.
When you turn the ignition key to Start, 12 volts from the two Yellow
wires passes thru the relay to the Dark Green/White wire which goes
to the Clutch pedal safety switch for a manual transmission or the
Neutral/Park switch for a automatic transmission then the 12 volts
goes to the starter solenoid.
When you turn the ignition key to Start, 12 volts from the two Yellow
wires passes thru the relay to the Dark Green/White wire which goes
to the Clutch pedal safety switch for a manual transmission or the
Neutral/Park switch for a automatic transmission then the 12 volts
goes to the starter solenoid.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
jfb....in my initial request I stated that I have a 1988 Anniversary Edition. I sent my schematic to Brian and he thinks I should ground the green wire from the starter relay.
Now I'll wait to get the chip back and go from there.
Now I'll wait to get the chip back and go from there.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
jfb..........Thats okay.......anyway I was into the wires at my starter relay and smelled something so I opened the vats module and shorted out a transitor or something so now I am probably really screwed.........this car is going to be the most expensive flower box on my street. I'm totally lost now.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Best start looking for a used VATS module. You will need to know the resistance value of your ign key pellet and buy a VATS module for that value, or maybe you should consider a VATS bypass which would probably be cheaper. I am not sure that the bypass requires some of the functions in the VATS module or not, best ask the maker of the bypass. I believe the bypass generates a 30 Hz signal to the ECM which is what the VATS module does if it detects the correct pellet resistance and the ECM closes the start enable relay and allows the injectors to be pulsed.
Last edited by jfb; Apr 17, 2011 at 01:29 AM.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Rather than fumble around trying to eliminate your very important anti-theft system, why don't you fix the problem?
For a number of years, I had a similar intermittent no-start problem with my 86 Vette. Many other C4 owners have experienced similar problems as well.
Ultimately, the solution to my problem was to replace the steering column ignition key assembly complete with new resister chip keys. Once I changed out the steering column key module my VATS problems were completely eliminated once and for all. Check it out....
For a number of years, I had a similar intermittent no-start problem with my 86 Vette. Many other C4 owners have experienced similar problems as well.
Ultimately, the solution to my problem was to replace the steering column ignition key assembly complete with new resister chip keys. Once I changed out the steering column key module my VATS problems were completely eliminated once and for all. Check it out....
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
pmihaltian....I have replaced the keys,the cylinder,the switch on the column,the starter enable relay, the neutral safetyswitch and the ECM. I have the bypass unit from Mid America installed, my resitance ohmed out at 4750 (code 11). I have Brian at Harris Performance doing the vats delete as we speak. I would like to get my hands on the GM idiots that designed this mess....I believe waterboarding is in order
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Vats fix
Drop in at your favorite AUDIO shop, ask them to determine the OHM on your Ign key, then as them for a resistor in the same range, then just unplug the connector from the VATS at the base of the steering column, and insert the resistor into the "car side" of the connector, and tape securely, and you will effectively by pass the VATS. With the resistor in place, your system will think the key is in place, and no more starting problems due to the broken wire in your steering column connected to the ignition switch, which controls the VATS. GG
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI: Birthplace of the Corvette
Drop in at your favorite AUDIO shop, ask them to determine the OHM on your Ign key, then as them for a resistor in the same range, then just unplug the connector from the VATS at the base of the steering column, and insert the resistor into the "car side" of the connector, and tape securely, and you will effectively by pass the VATS. With the resistor in place, your system will think the key is in place, and no more starting problems due to the broken wire in your steering column connected to the ignition switch, which controls the VATS. GG
This may be too late for you if you fried the VATS Black Box, but it couldn't hurt to try. Check out this link. Worst case: Someone on this forum probably has a VATS with a known resistance code to sell you.
http://vats.likeabigdog.com/
Good luck!
Dave T.
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI: Birthplace of the Corvette
Here's the 'techie' solution. The resistor instructions in my previous post definitely work on our Vettes. Here's one I haven't tried, but I don't see why it wouldn't work to replace your whole VATS module. If you have electronics experience or a techie friend you could whip this circuit up in half an hour. When installed, it should bypass your VATS permanently and eliminate future VATS issues. The parts are very inexpensive. Should be less than $10 at Radio Shack or free from a tech friend. Might be worth a try!
http://home.hiwaay.net/~davida1/passkey.htm
If you go this route, be sure to report back.
Dave T.
http://home.hiwaay.net/~davida1/passkey.htm
If you go this route, be sure to report back.
Dave T.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro Tn.
Hi Everyone. I'm a new member today. I have an 88 anniversary edition that has been giving me starting problems for 23 years now. I have replaced all the electronics that are connected to the security system and still have the no start (intermitantly) problem. I have just sent my ECM chip to Harris Performance to have the vats deleted. Hopefully that will solve this. Brian told me to ground a blk wire with a yellow stripe from the starter enable relay to complete this. I don't have one. Mine are 2 large yellows 1 large grn/wht and one small grn. Which one do you think he is referring to?
