1990 Corvette VATS PLEASE HELP!!!
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3rd Gear
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1990 Corvette VATS PLEASE HELP!!!
I have a 1990 Corvette. My ignition and steering column were becoming loose awhile back so I purchased a new steering column on Ebay and I had it replaced a few years ago by Speedway Cheverolet. I also had my motor rebuilt and injectors to the tune of $5000. Then the problem. I lost my keys to the car without a spare. I brought it to the Chevy shop here in Lynnwood, Wa where they said that I now need a BCM computer as they are not getting a reading as to what key it is that I need. Can anyone help me? I am really stuck I cannot get the ohmage off the key (that I lost) to get a new one so I ordered all 15 keys and had them cut to a "dummy" key that I have that only allows me to turn the key but of course wont allow me to start the vehicle. The 15 different combinations of keys are not working either which leads me to believe they messed up my BCM unit. Is there any way I can bypass this system altogether. I heard of reprogramming the Main computer CCM to bypass the BCM (body control module) but does any one know where I can get this done??
Thank you so much in advance!
Thank you so much in advance!
Last edited by seattlesinger; Apr 26, 2013 at 07:16 PM. Reason: typos
Team Owner
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I have a 1990 Corvette. My ignition and steering column were becoming loose awhile back so I purchased a new steering column on Ebay and I had it replaced a few years ago by Speedway Cheverolet. I also had my motor rebuilt and injectors to the tune of $5000. Then the problem. I lost my keys to the car without a spare. I brought it to the Chevy shop here in Lynnwood, Wa where they said that I now need a BCM computer as they are not getting a reading as to what key it is that I need. Can anyone help me? I am really stuck I cannot get the ohmage off the key (that I lost) to get a new one so I ordered all 15 keys and had them cut to a "dummy" key that I have that only allows me to turn the key but of course wont allow me to start the vehicle. The 15 different combinations of keys are not working either which leads me to believe they messed up my BCM unit. Is there any way I can bypass this system altogether. I heard of reprogramming the Main computer CCM to bypass the BCM (body control module) but does any one know where I can get this done??
Thank you so much in advance!
Thank you so much in advance!
How are you attempting to use the various keys? A second key cylinder plugged into the harness? If that's the case you realize that you need to let the system "rest" for four minutes between attemps. VATS can be bypassed in the PROM but it seems you've done a couple foolish things so take a break - catch your breath.
Explain how you're you're using the 15 keys first. On a '90 there is no BCM only a CCM for body control, VATS etc and then an ECM for engine and power train management.
Safety Car
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http://www.bakerelectronix.com/products_vats/
Supplies the required fuel enable signal to the ECM.
As noted above
http://www.pcmofnc.com/index.php/tun...te-chips-tunes
can supply a replacement PnP memcal ( chip / eprom ) for your ECM with VATS deleted
Either way ,you still have to manually bypass the starter enable relay also operated by VATS
Better still would be to run the CCM diagnostics to see why it is not seeing / reading the key resistor
Supplies the required fuel enable signal to the ECM.
http://www.pcmofnc.com/index.php/tun...te-chips-tunes
can supply a replacement PnP memcal ( chip / eprom ) for your ECM with VATS deleted
Either way ,you still have to manually bypass the starter enable relay also operated by VATS
Better still would be to run the CCM diagnostics to see why it is not seeing / reading the key resistor
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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[QUOTE=WVZR-1;1583747762]When Speedway did your column did they do a new key for your column? If they did the key would be charged on the invoice and could be identified by part number. Why did you order 15 keys? Foolish move!
How are you attempting to use the various keys? A second key cylinder plugged into the harness? If that's the case you realize that you need to let the system "rest" for four minutes between attemps. VATS can be bypassed in the PROM but it seems you've done a couple foolish things so take a break - catch your breath.
Explain how you're you're using the 15 keys first. On a '90 there is no BCM only a CCM for body control, VATS etc and then an ECM for engine and power train management.[/
They did not make a key at the dealership, there was one supplied with the steering column. My other option was to have the car towed in. It would have to be one of the 15 keys made... This was very cost effective and educated try actually at only $79 it was also the cheapest. Of course I've called Speedway Cheverolet and they don't know what key it is.
I have been waiting the required 4 minutes between tries as well. Why would I need another lock cylinder? I just used the one already installed. All I did was lose the keys. I first wanted to check and see if I could just replace the key after fixing a few fuses they had missed at the dealership and such.
How are you attempting to use the various keys? A second key cylinder plugged into the harness? If that's the case you realize that you need to let the system "rest" for four minutes between attemps. VATS can be bypassed in the PROM but it seems you've done a couple foolish things so take a break - catch your breath.
Explain how you're you're using the 15 keys first. On a '90 there is no BCM only a CCM for body control, VATS etc and then an ECM for engine and power train management.[/
They did not make a key at the dealership, there was one supplied with the steering column. My other option was to have the car towed in. It would have to be one of the 15 keys made... This was very cost effective and educated try actually at only $79 it was also the cheapest. Of course I've called Speedway Cheverolet and they don't know what key it is.
I have been waiting the required 4 minutes between tries as well. Why would I need another lock cylinder? I just used the one already installed. All I did was lose the keys. I first wanted to check and see if I could just replace the key after fixing a few fuses they had missed at the dealership and such.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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http://www.bakerelectronix.com/products_vats/
Supplies the required fuel enable signal to the ECM.
As noted above
http://www.pcmofnc.com/index.php/tun...te-chips-tunes
can supply a replacement PnP memcal ( chip / eprom ) for your ECM with VATS deleted
Either way ,you still have to manually bypass the starter enable relay also operated by VATS
Better still would be to run the CCM diagnostics to see why it is not seeing / reading the key resistor
Supplies the required fuel enable signal to the ECM.
As noted above
http://www.pcmofnc.com/index.php/tun...te-chips-tunes
can supply a replacement PnP memcal ( chip / eprom ) for your ECM with VATS deleted
Either way ,you still have to manually bypass the starter enable relay also operated by VATS
Better still would be to run the CCM diagnostics to see why it is not seeing / reading the key resistor
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
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then highly likely the CCM is not going to recognize any of the 15 keys you are trying?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,385
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What does the SECURITY light do in the column and does it change with the key you have in the RUN, CRANK, and ON positions?
You had all 15 keys cut to the mechanical cuts of the brass work key? All of them rotated the cylinder correct? The purchase of the #1 wasn't required, that was a one year only thing and I thought a little more widely known than I'm finding out. The cylinder is plugged into the harness correct? If/when the dealer used the VATS Interrogator they would have needed to disconnect the cylinder from the harness to put the Interrogator in the circuit. Have you checked? Have you confirmed the continuity of the ignition cylinder in the column at the base of the column with a known VATS value? Maybe coincidentally there was a "tug" on the cylinder wires and now the cylinder isn't functioning.
Theoretically this would work and confirm the bad CCM that you believe you need anyway. If you could buy a CCM with a known VATS value it would work "theoretically" with one of your already cut keys that rotates the cylinder. Your not local to me or I'd likely offer up one to confirm it's a CCM issue.
A '90 CCM is a damn nuisance to remove so it's not easy for someone local to offer one for a test. It would need to be someone that parted a '90, knows the VATS and recorded it. It needs to be a '90.
I don't know that I'd sell the spare I have. The only thing you lose if you did a used CCM would be the miles displayed would be from the used CCM and when scanned the CCM would display the incorrect VIN. If the car is a "driver" maybe neither are important.
You might try a WTB and limit the interest to "local"!
THIS IS WHAT I'D TRY !!
I have never tried with out a correct key but you may be able to check the CCM codes with just a mechanical cut key. Won't hurt to try. If you can access it you could check codes and report back and you can also do "PASS KEY A/D COUNTS". If you can that number I would think should change using various keys. If you get various A/D counts using different keys I'd guess (ONLY A GUESS) that the CCM is functioning. If you can access the CCM using this guide it could be helpful:
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
You had all 15 keys cut to the mechanical cuts of the brass work key? All of them rotated the cylinder correct? The purchase of the #1 wasn't required, that was a one year only thing and I thought a little more widely known than I'm finding out. The cylinder is plugged into the harness correct? If/when the dealer used the VATS Interrogator they would have needed to disconnect the cylinder from the harness to put the Interrogator in the circuit. Have you checked? Have you confirmed the continuity of the ignition cylinder in the column at the base of the column with a known VATS value? Maybe coincidentally there was a "tug" on the cylinder wires and now the cylinder isn't functioning.
Theoretically this would work and confirm the bad CCM that you believe you need anyway. If you could buy a CCM with a known VATS value it would work "theoretically" with one of your already cut keys that rotates the cylinder. Your not local to me or I'd likely offer up one to confirm it's a CCM issue.
A '90 CCM is a damn nuisance to remove so it's not easy for someone local to offer one for a test. It would need to be someone that parted a '90, knows the VATS and recorded it. It needs to be a '90.
I don't know that I'd sell the spare I have. The only thing you lose if you did a used CCM would be the miles displayed would be from the used CCM and when scanned the CCM would display the incorrect VIN. If the car is a "driver" maybe neither are important.
You might try a WTB and limit the interest to "local"!
THIS IS WHAT I'D TRY !!
I have never tried with out a correct key but you may be able to check the CCM codes with just a mechanical cut key. Won't hurt to try. If you can access it you could check codes and report back and you can also do "PASS KEY A/D COUNTS". If you can that number I would think should change using various keys. If you get various A/D counts using different keys I'd guess (ONLY A GUESS) that the CCM is functioning. If you can access the CCM using this guide it could be helpful:
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011...trouble-codes/
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 27, 2013 at 06:49 AM.
