how to disable VATS???
09-19-2011, 10:53 PM
#101
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09-20-2011, 08:07 PM
#102
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Ok, so I dropped the starter out today and there is no sign of it.....The only connector I have under the kick panel has I believe 6 wires in it. If anyone has any guesses I'm all ears...
The car was having an intermittent no start when it was hot and one day (a year ago) it was turned off and hasn't been started since. I assume the INFL REST light that flashes and then goes out is normal? Other than that there are zero lights or indicators that there is anything wrong at all.
I had installed a button that activated the starter directly and it will crank but noyhing else unless you squirt starter fluid in it and it will run until the starter fluid is gone....lol
The car was having an intermittent no start when it was hot and one day (a year ago) it was turned off and hasn't been started since. I assume the INFL REST light that flashes and then goes out is normal? Other than that there are zero lights or indicators that there is anything wrong at all.
I had installed a button that activated the starter directly and it will crank but noyhing else unless you squirt starter fluid in it and it will run until the starter fluid is gone....lol
09-20-2011, 08:28 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Ok, so I dropped the starter out today and there is no sign of it.....The only connector I have under the kick panel has I believe 6 wires in it. If anyone has any guesses I'm all ears...
The car was having an intermittent no start when it was hot and one day (a year ago) it was turned off and hasn't been started since. I assume the INFL REST light that flashes and then goes out is normal? Other than that there are zero lights or indicators that there is anything wrong at all.
I had installed a button that activated the starter directly and it will crank but noyhing else unless you squirt starter fluid in it and it will run until the starter fluid is gone....lol
The car was having an intermittent no start when it was hot and one day (a year ago) it was turned off and hasn't been started since. I assume the INFL REST light that flashes and then goes out is normal? Other than that there are zero lights or indicators that there is anything wrong at all.
I had installed a button that activated the starter directly and it will crank but noyhing else unless you squirt starter fluid in it and it will run until the starter fluid is gone....lol
Look for this relay. Ignore that someone in this picture had modified the wiring.
09-20-2011, 08:45 PM
#104
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Good evening BigMyke,
I have been all over the interior and I haven't seen anything that even vaguely resembles that.....I will take some pics tomorrow when I get back to the car and maybe someone can see what I can't......
Thanks....
I have been all over the interior and I haven't seen anything that even vaguely resembles that.....I will take some pics tomorrow when I get back to the car and maybe someone can see what I can't......
Thanks....
09-20-2011, 09:07 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Just found this in another post so I thought I'd share.....
Mystery finally solved... Went to a local Chevy dealer and they didn't have a clue, but, they did have an old 92 shop manual.... We found the component location, although not exactly clear, it did lead me to the start enable relay... There is no way it can be located behind the kick panel on this car (factory harness)... Instead there are two identical connectors right behind the fuse box... The key to finding it was the location drawing... The fog light relay is a short harness with connector for the relay and comes out of the harness bundle running to the Test Connector... The start enable relay comes from the main wire harness bundle and sits above the fuse box tucked away above the main harness... I found it after searching blindly with my hand... It also is a short harness about 4 inches long ending in a connector that is the relay socket just like the fog light relay... On my harness, the start enable relay connector (socket) is marked PED 11 and the fog light relay connector (socket) is marked PED 15... The start enable relay is a cube with about 1 inch sides... Mine had tape around it and the socket to keep it from accidentally coming loose....
Mystery finally solved... Went to a local Chevy dealer and they didn't have a clue, but, they did have an old 92 shop manual.... We found the component location, although not exactly clear, it did lead me to the start enable relay... There is no way it can be located behind the kick panel on this car (factory harness)... Instead there are two identical connectors right behind the fuse box... The key to finding it was the location drawing... The fog light relay is a short harness with connector for the relay and comes out of the harness bundle running to the Test Connector... The start enable relay comes from the main wire harness bundle and sits above the fuse box tucked away above the main harness... I found it after searching blindly with my hand... It also is a short harness about 4 inches long ending in a connector that is the relay socket just like the fog light relay... On my harness, the start enable relay connector (socket) is marked PED 11 and the fog light relay connector (socket) is marked PED 15... The start enable relay is a cube with about 1 inch sides... Mine had tape around it and the socket to keep it from accidentally coming loose....
09-20-2011, 09:48 PM
#106
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Re: how to disable VATS???
This is just sort of an FYI. On my 89 IROC I had a heck of a time locating the starter enable relay. It was absolutely behind the left kick panel.....but buried under a mass of some sort of black putty. Pulled out all of the black putty and there it was.....
09-20-2011, 09:55 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Yeah, I figured that might be the case so the little OCD voice in my head completely cleaned out everything that of any shade of black be it a putty or what I assumed was a sound deadening material just to be sure I didn't miss it.
I appreciate your FYI however and they are welcome anytime.....Thanks.
I appreciate your FYI however and they are welcome anytime.....Thanks.
05-13-2012, 05:26 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Travis is right.
That relay is called the Starter Enable Relay and is controlled by the Pass-Key decoder module, it does not control the ECM or anything. If you only had a problem with this relay and not the whole Anti-Theft system, then taping this relay closed helped solve your issue. But it wouldn't work for any general VATS problem, specifically missing keys, bad ignition cylinder key contacts, broken key wires or bad Pass-Key decoder module. Your fix only addresses a bad SER, no other VATS issues.
Hope this clears it up.
Lou
That relay is called the Starter Enable Relay and is controlled by the Pass-Key decoder module, it does not control the ECM or anything. If you only had a problem with this relay and not the whole Anti-Theft system, then taping this relay closed helped solve your issue. But it wouldn't work for any general VATS problem, specifically missing keys, bad ignition cylinder key contacts, broken key wires or bad Pass-Key decoder module. Your fix only addresses a bad SER, no other VATS issues.
Hope this clears it up.
Lou
Ive lost count at the number of threads were Ive explained the VATS system, but here it is again...
The VATS system works like this. There is a VATS module that is programmed to activate when it reads a correct resistance load on the circuit. This resistance load is created by the chip in your key. When you put the key in the ignition, each side of the "chip" in it makes contact with electrical contacts in the ignition cylinder. THis completes an electrical circuit and current flows though the "chip," and arrives at the VATS module with whatever amount of resistance the key gave it (with a little more from the actual wiring). If the VATS module doesnt interpret this as a correct value, it does nothing. If it does interpret the resistance value being correct and within the tolerance range, it activates. When it activates, it does 2 things. It grounds the start enable relay under the driver side kick panel, allowing current to pass to the starter and spin the motor. It also sends a signal to the ECM that tells the ECM the correct key is inserted and its ok for the injectors to fire. Without BOTH of those happening, your car doesn't run.
The person who just taped the relay together, you most likely have a faulty start enable relay, or your VATS module is malfunctioning or has already been bypassed.
The easiest way to bypass the start enable relay is to ground it permanently and leave it in place. Or you can rewire the starter solenoid wire to not include that relay if the relay is bad or you just want to get rid of it.
The VATS system works like this. There is a VATS module that is programmed to activate when it reads a correct resistance load on the circuit. This resistance load is created by the chip in your key. When you put the key in the ignition, each side of the "chip" in it makes contact with electrical contacts in the ignition cylinder. THis completes an electrical circuit and current flows though the "chip," and arrives at the VATS module with whatever amount of resistance the key gave it (with a little more from the actual wiring). If the VATS module doesnt interpret this as a correct value, it does nothing. If it does interpret the resistance value being correct and within the tolerance range, it activates. When it activates, it does 2 things. It grounds the start enable relay under the driver side kick panel, allowing current to pass to the starter and spin the motor. It also sends a signal to the ECM that tells the ECM the correct key is inserted and its ok for the injectors to fire. Without BOTH of those happening, your car doesn't run.
The person who just taped the relay together, you most likely have a faulty start enable relay, or your VATS module is malfunctioning or has already been bypassed.
The easiest way to bypass the start enable relay is to ground it permanently and leave it in place. Or you can rewire the starter solenoid wire to not include that relay if the relay is bad or you just want to get rid of it.
05-13-2012, 05:41 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
There is several other things you have to in order to bypass "the system" if you are referring to VATS.
05-13-2012, 05:47 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
I have gotten as far as bypassing the starter relay by splicing the green and yellow together followed by splicing the two smaller wires together. (Don't know if this is correct, have heard of some folks grounding one of these two wires to chassis).
I tried the resistor in place @ the orange wires to white wires connection scenerio to no avail. Also a bypass module to pin B6 of the ECM . (BLUE WIRE) to no avail. I have crank via bypass of starter relay. Fuel pump prime is good but no injector pulse via NOID light. Any help on this subject would prob. benefit two camaro enthusiasts here. Thanks.
I tried the resistor in place @ the orange wires to white wires connection scenerio to no avail. Also a bypass module to pin B6 of the ECM . (BLUE WIRE) to no avail. I have crank via bypass of starter relay. Fuel pump prime is good but no injector pulse via NOID light. Any help on this subject would prob. benefit two camaro enthusiasts here. Thanks.
05-13-2012, 07:39 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
the start enable relay can be bypassed by grounding the relays dk green wire. however it doesnt do anything for the rest of the VATS system. if you combine the relay wire grounding and a VATS delete tune, you wont have to worry about VATS ever again. you can also get away with the relay wire grounding and the resistor trick. but if the VATS module itself goes out, the resistor trick wont do diddly...
05-13-2012, 09:29 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
You ever hear of the VATS modules being intermittent in their operation. I finally got injector pulse "WOOHOO" I grounded the black/yellow wire to starter enable relay along with butt-splicing the 10 awg yellow and green. Removed VATS bypass module. Installed resistors between two wires under driverside dash. Turned on ignition security light came on followed by turning off. Turned over ignition and wala NOID light to injector eluminated. This time with no security light after ignition attempt. Reconnected injector connector turned it over again and wala sputter sputter sputter, die. Reattempt sputter, sputter, sputter backfire, die. Must have a timing issue as all is well with wiring and distributer as far as i can tell. I did remove and reinstall the distributer for a valve job due to excessive oil consumtion. I thought i installed it fairly straight but you know one tooth off and your screwed. Any ideas while i was at it i think i might get rid of the stock distributer for more of a performance type.
05-13-2012, 10:07 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
sometimes the VATS module will act up before it finally dies. its more common for the contacts in the column to wear out though. the resistor trick removes the column from the VATS equation so that could explain why its working now. it also renders the VATS system usless as theft protection unless you make the resistors removable.
05-13-2012, 10:09 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
make sure you have the est wire unplugged when setting timing... you should be 6 degrees before tdc if i remember correctly... Also you could have the dizzy stabbed 180 off.. restab it again ... Took me like 10 times to finally set it right and i still think im a little off. Make sure you use a long flat head screw driver to adjust the oil primer connection...
05-13-2012, 10:10 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
i made my resistor removable because its the best kill switch on the planet... plus it gives me a discount on car insurance because it is considered a kill switch...
05-14-2012, 02:19 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Thanks for the info fellas. This website is badass alot of these tricks are hard to find out anywhere else. Why is it imperitative to have EST disconnected just wonderin. I'll hit you up when I get the timing right and let you know the progress.
05-14-2012, 09:57 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
with the est plugged in, the computer will keep adjusting the timing curve making it impossible to set it right.
03-26-2013, 03:46 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
First of all Bra ya might wanna look a little further inta the fundamentals that are involved with the VATS system. I believe you might be referring to Resistance instead of Watts. Ohms theory may be able to school ya up a little on that end. But there are several different companies that sell bypass modules. There are only 2 ways of going about this, 1 being poking around with different resistance in order to find the correct resistance for your vehicle, the 2nd being purchasing a bypass module.
03-26-2013, 04:17 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
No need to try to play with resistors to see which one works. Just use a meter to find out the resistance of your key & buy the correct resistor.
Last edited by BlackenedBird; 03-26-2013 at 04:21 PM.
03-27-2013, 04:43 PM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
First of all Bra ya might wanna look a little further inta the fundamentals that are involved with the VATS system. I believe you might be referring to Resistance instead of Watts. Ohms theory may be able to school ya up a little on that end. But there are several different companies that sell bypass modules. There are only 2 ways of going about this, 1 being poking around with different resistance in order to find the correct resistance for your vehicle, the 2nd being purchasing a bypass module.
03-30-2013, 04:41 PM
#124
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Re: how to disable VATS???
If you tried the wrong resistor, then the VATS disables the starting even with the correct key for.....iirc.....12 minutes. Did you wait long enough & try the key again? Maybe you used the wrong resistor?
Or if the VATS module itself is dead then the bypass won't work. The resistor bypass trick relies on a functioning module to work.
Or if the VATS module itself is dead then the bypass won't work. The resistor bypass trick relies on a functioning module to work.
03-31-2013, 12:58 AM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
It did start after I waited a few minutes but i measured the key and the resistance is in the correct ohms level.
06-17-2013, 09:50 AM
#126
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Thanks!
06-17-2013, 10:02 AM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Found the wires/connector I need, thanks BlackenedBird (post 120) - pic is worth a thousand words. Now, i want to keep the VATS functionality but the tumbler in the column is worn. I'm going to wire the resistor to a momentary (kill) switch - does it matter which direction the current is going? I.e. does it matter which white wire i use to be the + side of my switch?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Resistors do have a directional current flow requirement but unfortunately I can't say which is correct & which isn't for this application. Never thought about it before but with both wires being white, I dunno how anyone could identify them individually to say which direction to insert the resistor. Wish I had to a way to know with way to insert it then had a pic to share.
06-17-2013, 10:09 AM
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Nope, it does not matter. Resistors are bi-directional (or non-directional). Diodes (and other semiconductors) are directional and electrolytic capacitors but resistors aren't picky about the current flow. They are just a load in the path of the current. You're good to go.
06-17-2013, 10:15 AM
#129
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Re: how to disable VATS???
Nope, it does not matter. Resistors are bi-directional (or non-directional). Diodes (and other semiconductors) are directional and electrolytic capacitors but resistors aren't picky about the current flow. They are just a load in the path of the current. You're good to go.
08-13-2018, 04:05 PM
#130
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Re: how to disable VATS???
The best option is to buy or burn a PROM with it disabled. You can buy a VATS bypass module from Baker Electronix (or make your own) but the one I bought from Baker didn't work. Once I got a PROM without VATS (from an 87 car) it fired right up!
Save yourself the hastle and have someone disable it in your PROM for you.
Save yourself the hastle and have someone disable it in your PROM for you.
I realize that I am resurrecting an old thread, but new to the Camaro community. I bought a 92 RS 5.0 TBI on Thursday, and here we are on Monday and it stranded me. So, I am wondering how to go about getting the appropriate PROM, or having it disabled in the current one?
08-13-2018, 04:25 PM
#131
Re: how to disable VATS???
I realize that I am resurrecting an old thread, but new to the Camaro community. I bought a 92 RS 5.0 TBI on Thursday, and here we are on Monday and it stranded me. So, I am wondering how to go about getting the appropriate PROM, or having it disabled in the current one?
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