HELP! VATS attack

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Oct 17, 2003 | 03:10 PM

tuband

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From: Georgia

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HELP! VATS attack

Already searched the archives & didn't find the answer ....

This is my 90 ZR-1 ~ stock with no after market alarm
1) got into car, inserted key (but did not turn)
2) closed door & alarm went off
3) tried to start but would not, even after waiting 10 minutes
4) alarm now goes off when I open door
5) disconnected battery overnight, reconnected, problem still there

Any ideas?
I have NO experience with VATS and I do my own work (there is absolutely no one at the local dealer who I would trust on my Vettes). I do have the Helms manual but haven't located any help there yet.

Any & all suggestions welcome, especially specific things that I can do.

Thanks .......

Oct 17, 2003 | 03:25 PM

onedef92

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From: Fort Knox, KY

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Re: HELP! VATS attack (tuband)

This is gonna' sound crazy, but try LICKING the VATs encoded key with your tongue, then insert into the ignition. Your saliva can serve to act as a temporary path to ground, freeing up the "locked" VATS circuit! :thumbs:

Oct 17, 2003 | 04:07 PM

Steel Blue 91

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From: Alive and well in Burlington NC

Re: HELP! VATS attack (tuband)

Your door lock cylinder might have moved off center. Try this - use the key to unlock and lock the door several times then make sure that the key returns to the straight up (6 and 12) position. This may (operative word "may") recenter the cylinder. Same thing happened to my PS lock and it worked for me.

Oct 17, 2003 | 06:19 PM

tuband

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From: Georgia

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Re: HELP! VATS attack (tuband)

Great replies already .... hope at least one of them will help me solve the problem. Working late tonight, but will try the suggestions tomorrow. Will post results here.

Oct 17, 2003 | 07:53 PM

jfb

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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Re: HELP! VATS attack (tuband)

Don't bother licking your key pellet, that will only promote corrosion on the contacts in the tumbler! I don't think VATS is your problem, it is a door switch that is not being activated with the door key. VATS is doing its job since it thinks someone got into the car without a key. Actually its the theft deterrent system that is preventing a crank and this is what you need to work on. Try getting in the passenger side and trying to start it.

Oct 17, 2003 | 08:27 PM

87NassauBlue

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From: Newnan Ga

Re: HELP! VATS attack (jfb)

:iagree: If your gonna put anything on the key use WD40. But it sounds like it might be your door lock switch. Try unlocking the car from the passenger side with the keybv. I think there is a swich on that door also. This may be a temporary work around. I have an 86 and 87, I believe you can also reach in and unlock the car from the inside to disarm the alarm system. :grouphug:

Oct 18, 2003 | 05:56 AM

Ray Quayle

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From: North Yorkshire, England

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Re: HELP! VATS attack (tuband)

Hey George! Long time, no, well you know. Didn't know you'd gotten a ZR-1! Man, that's great. As jfb said, your problem is with the Theft Deterrent System not the VATS. On the early VATS cars, there was a VATS module and a separate Theft Deterrent module that didn't talk to each other. You could arm the alarm, reach in through an open window to unlock the door, open the door, setting off the alram, get in an happily start the car and drive away with the horn blaring! In 1990, with the addition of the CCM, the VATS function was incorporated into the CCM. The Theft Deterrent may have also been incorporated into the CCM, but I can't swear to this. The two systems most likely talk to each other now and will not allow a start if the Theft Deterrant is activated. I'm with the others on checking your door cylinder switches to verify they are disarming the Theft Deterrent System. Also check the pin switches on both doors and don't forget the one on the hatch. They are notorious for becoming intermittant and causing odd problems. They can often be re-adjusted.

Oct 18, 2003 | 10:48 AM

tuband

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From: Georgia

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Re: HELP! VATS attack (Ray Quayle)

Ray,

Thanks for responding .... definitely long time no see. Certainly good to hear from you again.

Again, a big thanks to all with your great (and timely) suggestions. Just came upstairs from the garage and I'm happy to report SUCCESS!

:party:

Here's what I did .... and it makes such good sense that I feel foolish for not thinking of it myself.
1) with battery still disconnected, I inserted the key into both door locks and went through several cycles of locking/unlocking, etc. Then I left both doors locked (windows down in case I needed to get back in).
2) connected battery
3) used key on driver's door to unlock .... SUCCESS ~ NO ALARM!
4) sat down & cranked her up .... absolutely no problems.

DUH .... simple solution. Can't believe that I didn't think of it myself. :smash:

Gotta say this again & again .... I've learned soooo much from you guys on the Forum.