Tuning Out VATS
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 51
From: Wichita, KS
Tuning Out VATS
Hey everyone, I'm preparing to send my ECM in for a remote tune and had a question regarding the VATS. Car is a 2002 base coupe with the A4 transmission. Haven't made any modifications and have plans for any right now. What I'm looking for is a little better throttle response and more positive transmission shifts, etc.
But my question is does anyone do anything with their VATS system? Like disable it? And can it really be disabled in the ECM or does it need to be disabled in the BCM also? Have only had one instance where the VATS has acted quirky, was awhile ago and I can't remember what it did - maybe flashing Security light or something. I'm sure it set a code but I have since deleted them and can't tell you what it was. Anyway, the car started and I was able to drive home. Cleaned the key real well and haven't had another issue. But still since I am tuning the ECM should I do something with this to alleviate any problems in the future? I want to still keep the security system operational, just delete the VATS.
What do you guys think? Is this worth considering? Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.
But my question is does anyone do anything with their VATS system? Like disable it? And can it really be disabled in the ECM or does it need to be disabled in the BCM also? Have only had one instance where the VATS has acted quirky, was awhile ago and I can't remember what it did - maybe flashing Security light or something. I'm sure it set a code but I have since deleted them and can't tell you what it was. Anyway, the car started and I was able to drive home. Cleaned the key real well and haven't had another issue. But still since I am tuning the ECM should I do something with this to alleviate any problems in the future? I want to still keep the security system operational, just delete the VATS.
What do you guys think? Is this worth considering? Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
If memory serves correctly, VATS cannot be programmed out. You can bypass it with a resister, as most owners have done. There should be ample threads on here and online on the procedure.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 51
From: Wichita, KS
Thanks for the replys. I'll talk to the tuner but also look into using the resistor. I had heard that at startup there was a handshake which occurred between the ECM and the BCM. I am assuming that use of the resistor wouldn't affect that but I'll look at some threads.
