Hey guys i need some help on my 1990 camaro rs, 305 tbi, automatic. Every now and then my vats will set off the security system and i have to wait a few minutes and then it'll start. Well last night my buddy tried to start my car (i was in no shape to drive) and it wouldn't start, we waited a few minutes but it never did anything. I went back this mornin to get it and it still wont start, the security light comes on and stays lit along with the cel. I unhooked the negative battery terminal for a few minutes twice and nuthin helped. I'm gonna go back tomorrow and try to start it one more time but if it doesnt i'm getting it towed to a shop. Anyone know about how much i'll get charged to get it fixed or bypassed? Or if i know what resistor is in my key cant i just get a rezistor that matches and splice it into whatever wire goes to the key? I think i read something like that on here. I'm just not great with electrical and need this fixed.

 

Most likely your key or the contacts in the switch that reads the key is dirty and/ or worn
Got a 2nd key to try?
Clean the key
Clean the contacts inside the switch that read the resistor pellet on the key

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/vats

https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

well it finally started today but as soon as i got it back on base and parked it it wouldnt start up. as soon as i turn the key on the cel comes on and stays on and the security light doesnt flash it just stays lit, a couple times it wont come on at all for a couple seconds then stays lit. Does that still sound like the pellet isn't eading or something else? i cleaned the pellet and tried to clean the contacts.

 

so this is what i needed to know:
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.

so its the purple/white and white/black wires that i'd be cutting, so do i just cut these 2 wires and place my resistor between the two?

 

Do a search
Plenty of 3rd Gen posts with pics of exactly what is required

 

I think i got it now, the links really helped thank you, now i just need to find a 4700 ohm resistor

 

Make sure you let us know if that worked for you. Good luck!

 

Radio Shack
You may have to solder several lessor ohm resistors together to get the value you require

 

I hope not, i aint got a solder gun. Guess i could buy one, i probably wont be able to get a ride today to radio shack but i can tomorrow so hopefully i can work on it so i'll let yall know how it goes thanks again

 

So im goin to get my resistor today, i just got off work but im gonna stay up to try and fix this, im just a lil concerned cause now when i put the key in the security light doesnt come on at all sometimes. Is this normal for it to do if it isnt reading the chip or could my vats module be bad? I mean i guess i'll find out after i bypass it but thats gonna be a bad way to find out i got a bigger problem.

 

Well i got the resistor i needed, found the plug under the dash after a few minutes of searchin. I disconnected it and stuck the resistor into the backside of the plug goin to the vats module, put my key in and it started right up and every time since then for the first time in a week. Thanks for the help and links, i know my car is now at risk but atleast i can drive again

 

I have an 89 camaro I replaced the solenoid and starter and its still not turning over I'm sure that its vats system. I'm planning on bypassing so I put my key on ohmeter at radioshack it read 6.92k so I had to get two different resistors a 2.2k and a 4.7k does this sound right before I start cutting wires to place in?

 

Why?

Could be a battery / connection / wiring / ground problem(s)

Have you hot wired the starter to confirm starter actually works before looking for problems elsewhere?
Have you checked for 12V out of the Ign switch on starter circuit; could be a faulty switch
Have you checked for power in / out of the starter enable relay ; could be faulty relay

If you have problems with any of the above bypassing VATS will solve zilch

 

I got it fixed I put in resistor and still wouldn't start. I found that its grounding out inside of steering column. I shook around steering wheel. (Pulled tilt and bounced up and down) and it started. Right now I'm leaving it until I have time to take cover off and fix grounding out problem. It works as long as I don't move the tilt on the steering wheel. Thank you for your help I appreciate it greatly.

 

My daughter's car just had this problem. You don't have to bypass the security. There are two little wires inside the steering column. If you take the steering wheel off, you can see if the wires are come apart. You can either replace the wires or use electrical tape and rig it