I just replaced my ignition tumbler, the old one lost it's a ability to re-coil. I bought a new ignition from Autozone without the VATS, b/c I have already disabled the VATS on my PROM when custom tuning.

The car doesn't start. Is it necessary to have a replacement ignition that has VATS included, seeing that I already bypassed it in the program? Is the VATS connection still needed?

 

When you deleted VATS in the tune did you also bypass the starter enable relay also controlled by VATS so VATS was totally deleted?
If not ,even though the fuel enable signal requirement to the ECM for the injectors was deleted in the tune , the VATS module may still have been reading your old key to operate the starter relay and now you have a non VATS tumbler it can no longer read the key resistor?

https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

Nope, I sure didn't. I guess an easy fix is to just get the ignition with the VATS wiring included on the tumbler. I just didn't think it was needed since I disabled it via ECM......guess I was wrong.

 

I think the Oz is onto something. It sure sounds like the SER is not closing since you do not have the original ignition tumbler with the original key anymore.
IF it is your SER, you can easily bypass it. Either by grounding it or by connecting the two thick wires. Just search here on the boards and you will find a lot of info.

 

I'm in the process of reading my researched threads right now. However, just curious.......what thick wires are you talking about?

 

In this diagram, you can see the Starter Enable Relay in the lower right section.
The yellow and dark green wires are the think wires that the starter current flows through. You can connect those together and bypass the relay completely. Or you can just cut off the think dark green wire and ground it to the body.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

Got it.....thanks for your help. Will try this evening and post results.

 

Grounding the relay to the frame took care of my problem......thanks for your help with this. I'm back up and running.

 

Glad you fixed your problem.
And thank you for posting a follow-up. It helps others who search for their problem and are looking for answers.

 

i know this is an old thread, but this just saved me alot of time and money, thank you to you guys. i jumped the relay and my car fired right up. Once again, thank you.

 

where is the vats relay located?

I replaced my sterring colum on my 88 with a 86 non vats. It has run for a while just in the driveay but first test drive and it just cut off. it cranks and has fuel but wont fire. I think something simple died otr cut on. Could teh VAT even though no steering columen still be my issue?

Like to see if I can ground the relay

 

Driver side kick panel. Remove that and its recessed into the body there. Lil green wire, ground that, no vats ignition passkey required