johnnyboy

iTrader: (3)

i have an 89 firebird, the steering wheel is loose and i don't feel like taking the whole thing apart just to tighten some screws because i don't want to ruin anything. i have an 87 parts car with a perfect column but it doesn't have vats, i know the 89 column is a different length but i don't think that will be a problem, what do i have to do to disable the vats system so i can use this other column?

smartman__007

iTrader: (1)

BYPASS:
To bypass the system you ll need to buy a resistor with a value matching that of your keys chip at any local electronics store. The easiest way to install this resistor is to cut the wires leading into the column about a foot from the connector. Take this section of wire, strip the ends and solder the resistor in place. Take this section of wire and resistor and simply plug back into the connector under the dash. The VATS module is now fooled into thinking that there is always the correct key in the ignition. Although this does render the security benefits of the VATS system useless, if increased security is desired, the resistor can simply be unplugged, leaving the car disabled until it is reinstalled. (Quoted From Tech Articles)

johnnyboy

iTrader: (3)

okay but which wires are they and what is the right resistor?

ScottieB

what do you mean it's loose? is the wheel itself loose, is the column loose (it moves from side to side)?? or what

if it moves from side to side, there is a little bracket that you use... 13? or 15? or 10? mm socket to tighten... very, very easy to fix if that's the problem

smartman__007

iTrader: (1)

Sorry about the long kind of explanation. Check The Tech Articles for Vats Diagnosis and Bypass on the website if it isnt as simple as tightening the loose nuts on the column. To reiterate what he said, just loosen some torx bit screws holding the pad underneath and its as simple as noticing if the nuts that hold the steering column is loose.

fbodyguy86

the resistor in my key doesnt match anything in the list of resistances that gm used how do i know what one to use
thanks

johnnyboy

iTrader: (3)

the sttering column is mounted right and the column itself is not loose and the steering wheel is tight on the column but i can move the wheel from side to side <---.--->

smartman__007

iTrader: (1)

Sorry but you'll have to wait for one of the "Big Dogs" to get that figured out. I have a non fbody car that has the same problem. I have yet to fix it. This thread might help me out a bit. There are only 15 different resistors that GM used, it can be +,- 5% and it will be able to bypass the system.

SlowCamaro88SC

your steering shaft/coupler is in need of replacement.