So my car got broken into this week, but vats saved it from getting stolen. Someone cracked into my column by the ignition rod and attempted to start it. My key got stuck after force starting it a couple of times and I ended up ripping it out. Big mistake, because now the chip is broken and I cant figure out my vats code which is stopping me from ordering a new column. I looked around but can't figure out a way to get the code short of towing the car to a dealership. Any solutions? Id like to keep vats in if I can since I can't pay for both a column and a security system. Or is bypassing it my only fix?

 

Well I guess ill just bypass vats. When I buy a column does it need to be vats compatible to work with my car?

 

There's a 2 pin connector on the steering column you can take apart and measure the resistance of the vats key you got stuck in there helping with ordering a new one or get the correct resistors to use to "fool" the vats system you got the correct key in there.

Plenty of info on the internet and on this site if you do a search.

 

Thanks for the reply, I did do a lot of searching about my problem, but nothing turned up; the key is no longer in the ignition and both Ace and myself cant get a reading on it. On top of that my car is stuck an hour away and I can't get to it in a hurry, so I can't really do anything with it. I've decided to bypass vats but I need some info before I buy a new column. The place I'm ordering from (columns galore) needs the resistance value for the ignition I assume.
A) If I buy a vats column with a different resistance value for the ignition will it work in my car if I bypass vats?
B) Can I buy a non-vats column that will work in my car after the bypass?
C) Does anyone know a better place to get a column?
As always thanks for the help

 

A) The VATS column will work without bypassing anything. The VATS module (electronic box) is hidden under your dash and that is what "decodes" the right key.
B) Yes but VATS need to be bypassed as you say

 

The resistor read by the VATS module is related to the key ; not the column
( Unless they are trying to supply the correct key with the column ?)

Can do it yourself with a $1 worth of resistors from Radio Shack and a non VATS column
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...-i-bypass.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

Pretty sure that's what they're doing. I'll be getting a non-vats column and a set of 15 resistors. Anyways, thanks for all the help guys! Can't wait to get my car on the road again!!