In one of my recent posts, I mentioned having problems with VATS and my ignition switch. I'm going to go buy the resistor to Bypass the VATS today, but I still need a new ignition cylinder. Since I'm ditching the VATS, can I get a generic GM ignition without the vats capabilities? They're so much cheaper....

Thanks!

~Chris

 

You can do that, have you looked at the ignition switch under the dash to be sure there isn't a problem with this or to make sure you didn't miss something when you took that aftermarket alarm system out. BTW, by putting that resistor in the wiring all you are taking out of the circuit is the lock cylinder. Just a thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Trickster, I have similar problem as Chris does. My 88 GTA has a 87 steering column complete w/key installed but will not start now, spins over, fires 3-4 cyclinders then spins with no attempt to fire. Wait an hour same routine, and I know nothing about wiring or whether the 88 is vats equipped. Will you help me? Dave

 

Hello Redbird87,
Does your key have the pellet in the key? Also do you have a security light come on in the dash. Some of the 88 model 3rd gen cars came out with the VATS system during the late production for that year. It was usually in the high end models. Check under the dash near the steering column and see if you can find a wire harness with a black/white wire and a purple/yellow wire.

 

Thank for the quick reply. The 88GTA was in a accident resulting a broken column and no key came with the car. It has the digital dash but no security light is coming on, and I do not find a black/white or a purple/yellow. What now? Dave

 

Have you looked at the ignition module in the distributor or any other components yet? How long has this problem been happening?

 

Trickster, I just bought this car last weeek and heard it run for about a minute. Then I changed the broken steering column out as I was under the impression that vats wasn't installed until 89. Between posts I tried it again and it ran for three or four seconds. BUT, I'm not hearing the fuel pump run so now I had better check fuel pressure? Dave

 

Cmon trickster you know if it cranks its not a vats problem. Send this over to general tech.
If you think the fuel pump isnt running two componants that can fail are the fuel pump relay and the oil pressure switch. The ecm should pressurize the system initially which could explain why it only runs for a few seconds.

 

Hello dankhound,

Yes, I am well aware that if it cranks it's not a VATS issue if you are referring to Redbird87's post.

However, this thread originally was for Cargasm66's problem which is VATS related. I cannot randomly pull posts out of a thread and move them to another forum into a thread that does not exist.

If Redbird87 would like to re-open his post in the "general tech" forum he may do so.

 

Whoops didnt see that. I guess its about time i started paying attention to the names.

 

No problem!!!!!!!!!!

 

speaking of my question.....

so trickster, your first response makes it sound like you don't think it's the ignition side of the vats. Do you think it's something else, like the actual vats module? Or should I go ahead and try doing the bypass thing anyway?

BTW, when I measured the resistance on the key, I got a reading of 9.52 K Ohm. The only resistor the electronics store had was a 9.53. will this work? And does the wattage of the resistor matter?


Thanks!!
~Chris

 

Hello Chris,

What I was saying is that if you put a resistor in the wire under the dash. You are still utilizing the VATS control module. The first part of the VATS circuit is the key in the lock cylinder. When you measured the resistance in the pellet, did you get it directly off the key as well as with the key in the lock cylinder through the wire harness. I will have to search back through the posts to find your original post on your problem or PM me with it. That resistor that you mentioned is close enough and the wattage doesn't matter.

 

No, I just measured the key, not the wire harness. The yellow wires, right? I'll do that tonite. And I'll PM you my original problem(s).

Thanks for your help man!

~Chris

 

The harness should look like this and the two wires will be either white with a orange wrap or yellow with a black wrap.

 

Sorry Chris, I didn't mean to hijack your thread, just got carried away. Dave

 

Hello Redbird87,

How are you making out with your problem, any progress? And don't worry about the hijacking.

 

Hey man, no problem. I really don't care who posts/"hijacks" my threads as long as everyone is getting positive help.

~Chris