VATS, refresh my memory....
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
VATS, refresh my memory....
When you turn the key and the car doesn't even turn over yet the SECURITY light blinks at you......
Does that mean VATS is preventing you from starting the car?
Does that mena VATS is NOT preventing you from starting the car?
I've go a no-start condition right now. I haven't had time to look into it all that much, but wanted to get this part outta the way first.
Does that mean VATS is preventing you from starting the car?
Does that mena VATS is NOT preventing you from starting the car?
I've go a no-start condition right now. I haven't had time to look into it all that much, but wanted to get this part outta the way first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
When you insert the ignition key and turn it to "run" the system does the bulb check in the DIC. If the key pellet is read properly the Security light goes out.
If the Key pellet is not read properly the Security light will be on solid. If you turn the key to start, the starter will not engage.
If the Key pellet is not read properly the Security light will be on solid. If you turn the key to start, the starter will not engage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
If you can hear the starter enable relay clicking, that indicates the Pass Key Decoder Module is grounding the starter enable relay.
It should click only once each time you turn the key to start.
If it's chattering, could be a bad starter enable relay.
When the relay closes, 12 volts from the ignition switch passes through the relay to the clutch safety switch. The clutch safety switch then passes the 12 volts to the S terminal on the starter solenoid.
If you need to drive the car, you can always push start it.
It should click only once each time you turn the key to start.
If it's chattering, could be a bad starter enable relay.
When the relay closes, 12 volts from the ignition switch passes through the relay to the clutch safety switch. The clutch safety switch then passes the 12 volts to the S terminal on the starter solenoid.
If you need to drive the car, you can always push start it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If the VATS module doesn't see the correct pellet resistance it will NOT close the start enable relay, so you do not have a VATS problem. Jump the clutch safety switch and try a crank. Check the condition of the battery cable to batt terminals and clean if necessary. Jump 12v to the purple wire on the clutch safety switch, this should make the starter run. Measure the battery terminal volts when attempting a crank (starter must engage for this test). It must not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged, battery cables have poor connection, or the battery is at the end of its life.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 21,510
Likes: 0
From: On a Wisconsin Death Trip
At one point I had similar trials and tribulations - I got VATS bypass to eliminate any future probs.
It was a long time ago, so I don't remember the details, but what you're describing sounds like what happened to my car. It was the starter. One day I went out and it just made a small click. Nothing. I even tried jumping the terminals on the solenoid (wasn't the smartest thing I ever did). Local guy rebuilt it for me and hasn't made a hiccup since.
My $.02.
It was a long time ago, so I don't remember the details, but what you're describing sounds like what happened to my car. It was the starter. One day I went out and it just made a small click. Nothing. I even tried jumping the terminals on the solenoid (wasn't the smartest thing I ever did). Local guy rebuilt it for me and hasn't made a hiccup since.
My $.02.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Originally Posted by loiq
It was a long time ago, so I don't remember the details, but what you're describing sounds like what happened to my car. It was the starter. One day I went out and it just made a small click. Nothing. I even tried jumping the terminals on the solenoid (wasn't the smartest thing I ever did). Local guy rebuilt it for me and hasn't made a hiccup since.
I hope to have time this weekend to go through the starting system systematically this weekend. If it is the starter I may convert to the mini starter.