Ok, I know about the resistor in the key, etc...
My question is, when activated, what happens...
Does the starter even turn? Turn but engine doesn't start? No nothing???

Thanks,
Raf

 

IIRC, the early (1987) VATS will disable the start enable relay and the injector circuit drivers.

On later years using an integral VATS system (incorporated into the ECM instead of a separate module) the VATS will disable injectors immediately after starting (within 1-2 seconds). The engine may still be cranked.

Either system will also flash the "SECURITY" lamp repeatedly if the key resistance is not correct. If the resistance is correct, the lamp will flash once or twice, then remain ON.

Again, this is all from memory, and that seems to get a little more fuzzy every year.

 

Well Vader, you beat me to the posting. However on the early VATS systems, the VATS control module would lock out the starter enable relay and the fuel injectors if the wrong resistance value was read in the key. If the system is working properly, the security light will come on for two seconds when the correct value is read and will then go out. If the wrong value is read the light will stay on until the key is turned to the "OFF" position. If there is no resistance value read by the VATS control module such as when there is a broken wire from the lock cylinder. The security light will not come on at all. As Vader has mentioned about the newer systems, you can start the car with an ordinary key that you can get cut at Wal-Marts but the engine will die out after about 2 to five seconds. It is called an engine immobilizer system.

 

I've been having an intermitent starting - running problem for some time. Traced the problem to some part of the VATS. I want to disable the entire system. Any help?

 

You can bandaid the problem by putting the correct resistor inline... measure the resistor in your key and purchase one of close resistance...

Best solution is to get your chip reprogrammed and desable it from there... & a computer tune up adds some HP

 

alright, so i aquired an 89 rs, 305 tbi.....

supposedly was stolen and abandoned, yadda yadda yadda

I got the car for free, didnt come with keys, bought a new lock cylinder, didnt get the cylinder with the wires for the VATS system. cannot bypass the vats with the resistor because i do not know the resistance...

cannot get injector pulse, scanner says anti-theft system.. im assuming its the VATS

anyways, after taking out the dash (4,123 screws haha), found a box called a "passkey" is that the VATS???

anyway to bypass the VATS, without buying a new expensice cylinder lock with the wires? or anyone have a ballpark price? still have the old cylinder i think...................

car runs great if you manually ground the injectors, (tapping the pierced pulse wire to the battery)

ANY HELP PLZZZZZZZZZ

 

Not sure about that box... but the VATs can be disabled from the chip... I bought one for $60 off ebay... besides disabling VATs, got the spark / timing curve adjusted for more hp, lowered the fan on / off temp, etc...

 

I pulled a column from a trans- am for my 89 Camaro and had the pass key module replaced to match the new key.Its possible to purchase or acquire a ignition key with a resistor chip, then have a "new" pass key module set to that key.

 

While it is possible to buy a new VATS control module for your car, the code will not be set in it until you use the key to start the car. The only drawback here is that the module can not be re-programmed for another code at a later time. It is a one time deal.