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Vats or start relay

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Old 05-21-2016, 09:36 AM
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Car: 92 firebird gta
Engine: L98 with minor mods.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Vats or start relay

I have had this car for 19 years with no major problems. But I have had a start problem lately. I have looked around but I am not sure of my problem. I have two questions. First, my security light comes on and after a bit it will go out. Does that mean the vats key is working or not? Second if the light is working properly does that mean my start relay is going bad? If I let the car sit for awhile it will start again so far but it is getting worse. The starter is new and the problem is same with both starters.Tested both while out of the car and both work fine. Sorry for the same old questions I just can't find what I am looking for thanks for any help
Old 05-21-2016, 01:23 PM
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Vats or start relay

Security light going out should mean VATs is good.

I had a similar issue, and it ended up being a few factors. Wiring from the battery to starter was older, and the fusible links at the starter were in questionable condition.

I swapped the battery cable for a 1/0 size, and upgraded main ground cable to 1/0. (high quality pure copper welding cable)

Swapped to a mini style starter, so it's smaller thus farther away the headers.

Then I replaced the 3 fusible links at the starter because I was having the still having the aforementioned intermittent problems, albeit less frequently.

Power has been amazing since. I also upgraded the secondary ground from the battery to frame to 4awg and the cable from alternator to battery to 4awg.
Old 05-21-2016, 01:52 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: newport news va.
Posts: 156
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Car: 92 firebird gta
Engine: L98 with minor mods.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Vats or start relay

Thanks for info I will check the wires to the starter and links.
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