VATS lockup problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Waco Texas
VATS lockup problem
My vette won't start b/c of the VATS and I have to wait 4 minutes for it to reset.. I am really tired of it. But, when I take it to somebody, it will ALWAYS start. Any recommendations on what to do? Thank you :auto:
[Modified by 91VetteGirL, 11:17 PM 6/3/2003]
[Modified by 91VetteGirL, 11:17 PM 6/3/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 0
From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Re: VATS lockup problem (91VetteGirL)
The easiest way is to buy the VATS bypass harness from MidAmerica for around $20.00. It will completely disable the VATS and you'll never be stranded again (not because of VATS anyway)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: VATS lockup problem (flyersfan1088)
The flip side is that you will be defeating a pretty good factory security system. Given that any thug old enough to ride a bicycle can crack one of these columns open and drive off with your car, you might want to think about replacing the ignition cylinder. The cost of the cylinder is about $80 and a good lock shop can put it in. By using a bypass kit the VATS system doesn't really go away either, it just sends the same amount of electrical resistance to the VATS module at all times that your key normally would when you put it into the ignition.
If you replace the key only that might get you by for a long time. The contacts for the diode embedded in the key gets worn from being put in and taken out of the cylinder. Thats what I did but eventually I did have to replace the cylinder.
If you replace the key only that might get you by for a long time. The contacts for the diode embedded in the key gets worn from being put in and taken out of the cylinder. Thats what I did but eventually I did have to replace the cylinder.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 278
Likes: 14
From: Las Vegas, Nv
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Re: VATS lockup problem (91VetteGirL)
You need to have a new ignition key made. The chip in the key is worn out. My 90 Vette was doing this, and once I had a new key made with the correct chip in it , I never had that problem again.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: VATS lockup problem (91VetteGirL)
First try your spare ign key, its pellet contacts aren't as worn as your everyday key. You may have worn out contacts in the ign sw that make with the pellet. When it won't start is the time to measure the resistance across the wires from the ign sw contacts. In my 87 they come out at the bottom of the steering column and go under the carpet to a 2 pin connector. Find yours, and with the ign key in place, unplug the 2 pin connector and measure the resistance at the wires from the steering column. It should be the same as the key pellet. If over 10k ohms, you need a new ign switch. I recommend you DON'T bypass VATS, 99% of thefts occur by bashing the column and jumping the ign sw. When you have a headlight burn out, don't your replace it? Well, now its an ignition switch.
