To make a long story short, I recently purchased an 89 firebird that needs some work, 2.8 engine. I need help with a few issues. I am not a mechanic but I have never been afraid of trying to fix (or tear up) stuff.

I have the Haynes and Chilton manual but some things are not adding up. So here are a few questions I have.

1. I am trying to bypass the vats system, until I get it running then I will replace the lock with one that the Vats works. The key I got is not a Vats key. It also doesn't work in the doors so I'm guessing the key cylinder is not vats. I found the connector under the dash that I believe is the Vats wires so I know where to jumper them. Coming down from the steering wheel is an orange wire that has 2 smaller white wires inside. The orange wire does not have a connector on the end. Everything I found says the wires from the steering wheel should be yellow. Is this the correct wire or is this something else?

2. There is a purple wire coming from the back of the car. It is thicker gague wire the the other wires. It is currenly plugged into a purple/white wire under the dash. Is this correct? I think it goes to the read defroster but not sure. I don't have a door key yet so I can't get the back hatch open to remove the trim to find out exacly where it goes.

3. I removed the panel where the rear defroster switches are, there is another connector in there with 4 wires. Wrapped in foam and not attached to the trim. I'm sure this is for an additional switch, what other switch would go there and should I have all the wiring for whatever it is for. I'm thinking possible fog lights???

4. Under the map pocket (where the glove box would normally be) the trim has been removed and there are 3 ( I think) connecters, I do not see anything that these would plug into, what are they for?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

1) dunno about VATS
2) correct, that is for the defroster.
3) that wiring is probably for a remote hatch release button that is located on the farthest right opening on the panel. the fog light switch would be to the left of the steering column.
4) not positive, but I think one would be for a relay for a power antenna, if the car was equipped with that option. it would depend on what the color combination of wires is.

Pete

 

The original wires for the VATS ignition lock cylinder that come down the steering column were indeed yellow with a black wrap on them. However, the newer VATS ignition lock cylinder wires are white with an orange wrap.on them. Also, you should have two keys for your car. A square headed one for the ignition and a round headed one for the doors and hatch.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the info on 1 and 2.

On 3, the possible latch release, would this be easy to wire up? It would be nice to have.

On 4 I think I found out what it is suppose to be. The ECM, looks like it is gone. So I guess I am now looking for a new ECM and while I'm at it I guess I will get the lock cylinder that goes with the ECM.

Am I correct in that the lock cylinder and the ECM must have the same VATS code? The rest of the components are interchangable?

Trickster, I believe you have sent some people some information about the VATS, I would be interested in reading it if you can send it to me (rogueyoda@hotmail.com).

I only got 1 key with the car. I'm going to pull the lock cylinder out of one of the doors and try to get a key made by a locksmith.

Thanks for all the help.

Michael

 

Ok rogueyoda,

Yes I will get that information out to you today in the e-mail. As far as the ECM having the same VATS code as the lock cylinder is wrong. The VATS code is stored in the key (via resistor pellet) and the VATS control module which reads the key resistance through two contacts in the lock cylinder. It then sends a signal to the ECM, telling it if the code is correct or not. If the code is correct, the ECM will then allow the fuel injectors and starter relay to function.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Greetings rogueyoda,

:hail: You have e-mail.:lala:

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!