I have an 89 TA. It was running perfectly, then we replaced the battery. When I turned the key, the door chimed once and then it died. You get no lights, sounds, nothing. The starter and ignition are still pretty new, so what could cause this?

Also, my ignition key( it is a VATS key) is now lost and I have to replace it. How is the best way to do this? How would I go about having the VATS bypassed and getting a regular key, or is that possible?

Thanks. I obviously know very little about cars.

 

Check the battery connections and grounds from engine to chassis.

Two solutions come readily to mind; Custom prom chip with VATS disabled or go to the local GM dealer and have them order you a key. You'll need to give them your car's VIN at a minimum, and you may need to have the registration for the car to prove ownership, possibly more info. I expect this will take a few weeks for them to get you a new key (get 2 or 3).

~M~

 

can you elaborate on the custom prom chip with the VATS disabled...

 

First, call Pontiac or visit your dealer; they may be able to use your VIN to make you a new key.

Otherwise, a locksmith can come out and replace the key cylinder with a new one, including new keys. (If you have a friend with AAAPlus membership, that pays for the first $100 of locksmith service, last time I checked.)

Another option, which doesn't require locksmithing skills, would be to simply buy an entire used steering column, with key included, at a junkyard. A steering column isnt very hard to install, but it helps a lot if you've done it before.

So, whichever method you used out of those above, you now will have a working key........getting the VATS working comes up next.

Do a Google search for "The Step By Step Guide To Stealing A Camaro." It will tell you all about how VATS works.

There are only fifteen different possible resistor values the VATS needs to see in order to start. Obtain fifteen resistors of the correct value. Cut open the VATS harness coming down the steering column; try each resistor in turn until you get the right one.

Once that is all figured out, put the factory VATS wires back together like they were from the factory. Have a key cut that will fit into your new lock cylinder, and also has the correct chip in it.

I'm tired and probably not making perfect sense, but hopefully you get the idea:

1. Do whatever it takes to get a working key that will turn in the cylinder.
2. Use the thief's methods to determine which resistor matches your VATS.
3. Put VATS back together.
4. Buy a proper VATS key and have it cut to match the regular key you obtained during step 1.

 

This is the best explaination.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/ann...?s=&forumid=16

 

FYI: The VATS is the general thief system, the accual name refered to the keys resistor pellet is called PASSKEY.

Call your local dealership...

Ron