can anyone tell me where the vats module is located? i have a 1990 coupe.

 

Welcome to the Corvette Forum!!!!!!! :seeya :seeya

Sorry, I can't answer your question, but someone will soon, I'm sure.
Don't forget to wave!! :yesnod: :yesnod: :seeya

 

Yup.

The Vehicle Anti Theft System (VATS) was combined with the Central Control Module (CCM) (Model Year 90 and newer) located near the center of the dash area.

Are you experiencing a no start condition?

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks


[Modified by dlmeyers, 5:31 PM 9/26/2002]

 

I had a no start issue yesterday...darn thing cleared up on it's own just when the wrecker came by to tow me home after I pushe my car down 4 floors of parking garage unassisgted.

What could be the culprit? How do I test it/fix it?

 

definitely a no start situation. happened a few times. towed once and by the time it got to the garage it started on it's own. another time i waited an hour and it started. this time i've tried every day for a week and it won't 't start. many people have told me it's the vats system. i purchased a new module and am trying to put it in but culdn't find any books that told the location. do i have to take the radio and ac conttrols out to get at it?
thanks for the info.
legs

 

i was told that it's the vats system and the vats module needs to be replaced, possibly with the ignition switch. i got the module througha friend but can't find a book that tells where it is located. hope you get yours fixed soon, not much fun just looking at it sitting in the garage.
mine has been towed once, started on it's own after an hour once and now it's been down over week.
legs

 

I have been experiencing the same problem for a few months now. Although I have not got towed yet, or bought a new VATS module, I have gone through countless times just sitting and waiting for my VATS system to quite having a headache and work.
I noticed that my power door locks do not glide all the way forward and all the way back when locked or unlocked by the power door lock button. They move enough to lock the door, but it seems that they do not move enough to activate the system...FULLY.
I notice that when I do it sometimes and push the power door lock button back to lock the doors, the actuators move enough to lock the doors (if you were to shut them and try the handle) but sometimes the "SECURITY" light remans blinking or quickly pulses for a second. Usually when that happens, I have gone to far and the system seems to be stuck in a "half-way mode" and the car will not start for a while. It might be your power door locks not fully reaching the alarm contacts, check to see if they move all the way back. In a sense so that you can not push them manually anymore, otherwise, the system upon electrical request, can not lock the door and become in contact with the alarm contacts but activates the alarm module.
Also, I have noticed that if I do not follow the EXACT shut-down and start-up procedures, then the system becomes eratic. Make sure, all of the windows are up and you open the driver's door FIRST and then open the other door and/or the hatch. Also, remember that the driver's door must be LAST to close. If I follow that procedure, 90% of the time it works fine.
Last thing, when it does act up and does not start, I get out of the car, open (in order) driver's door, passenger door, and then hatch. Then close in the reverse order (hatch, pas. door, then driver's door) and then wait at least a minute. After that it usually start fine. If you rush it, it seems that it fails more before finally working.
If that VATS module replacement works, post the results so I can consider buying one. :D
Hope some of this information helps. If anyone has this same problem with my symptomes, solutions would be greatly appreciated. :flag

 

thanks for the info. will check it out.

 

Is it not cranking or cranking but not starting?

 

I have an 88 so things may be different, but when I had this problem, I changed keys (the second was new) and have not had the problem since. I read somewhere that the resistor in the key wears over time and does not make correct 'contact' so you get a no-start. Also, in the 88 I think the wait period after a no-start is 4 minutes. After the 4 mins the system resets and you get to try again and again and again - well you get the picture. Good luck and welcome. :seeya

 

Here is were terminology between years becomes somewhat important. Prior to 90, there was a "VATS module". Had a part number and everything. For Model Year 90 (MY90) and later, the VATS function is another few lines of code and circuits within the Central Control Module (CCM) found in MY 90-96. This darn CCM does lots of things, including tracking the vehicle's total mileage. If you replace the CCM with a used CCM, you will be getting a new mileage readout on the dash. If you buy a brand new factory fresh CCM, you have around 100 (hmmmm, maybe its 50) miles to get the thing to a Tech 1A scanner, with the proper cartridge, and put in the "correct" mileage. Usually replacing the CCM for VATS problems is about the very last thing to do. Do you have the factory service manual? If you are having no start problems, the factory service manual will help you chase down where the power is in a very logical order. Plus, the parts location guide in the electrical supplement will help you find all the goodies that need checking.

Secondly, some cars will set a VATS code during no start conditions. Check for codes. Typically though, it's worn out or dirty key pellets, worn cylinder lock pellet sensing pins, clutch or neutral safety switches, solenoids, battery connections, bad grounds, flat spots on starter armatures, etc. You have to find out where the power is, and start checking for where it stopped. Wiring schematic and a voltmeter. Of course, buying and installing parts is an option. Done it many times.

Corvette ownership has me believing in both witchcraft and multimeters.

Just my opinion.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks

 

turm the key and you can hear the fuel pump come on, the dash lights up, but nothing happens. the engine doesn't crank.

 

having the same problem with my 93 coupe. Very annoying.
I am going to try a new key before anything else though.

Hate the stupid VAT.