First of all, new to the forum, nice to meet everyone!
So, I was driving my 91 5 speed 3.1 Camaro, I stopped by work to get my paycheck. I get in the car and it wont start, no click, nothing. I even tried to roll start, but that didn't work. I end up having it towed back to my house. I take the starter off and have it tested (I replaced it about 6 months ago). It tested good. I looked into it and found out about the wonderful world of VATS (this would explain why the engine is not getting fuel and starter). I've been tracing wiring diagrams and think I have it isolated to the VATS system. First I tested the wires going into the column for the key, they were fine and I was able to pull the key's resistance from the connector under the dash. Next I bypassed the starter enable relay, it turned over, but didn't start. IIRC the VATS module is in direct control of the starter enable relay, so I'm confident it's the issue. The security light stays solid when the car is turned to on and remains on while cranking (no flashing). I ordered the VATS bypass module from Baker electronics yesterday. I have a pin out of the ECU and plan on wiring it into circuit 229 (fuel enable). Any thoughts? Do I sound like I'm on the fast track to success? Thanks for any help/guidance.
Spencer

 

never heard of baker but if it makes a 50hz square wave you are likely good.

 

I wasn't sure if mine was the older 30hz or 50hz, so I got one that can do both. Here's there website http://www.bakerelectronix.com/products_vats/

 

http://www.bakerelectronix.com/products_vats/

 

http://www.3rdbrakeflasher.com/index...96580fc7f3cc85

 

If you want the vats gone for good another option would be to have it reprogramed out. I do have the computer memcals or can do yours for less send me a pm if you are interested in going that route.

 

The module finally shipped today. Hopefully, I should have it by Saturday. I looked through the car more today, I can't think of any other culprits. If I bypass the starter enable relay, it turns over. I believe vats has direct control of the relay (It looks like it grounds it out). If that's the case it means vats is not giving the go ahead. Guess I'll know for sure when I wire this sucker in.

 

You have to bypass the starter relay anyway
The module only supplies the fuel enable signal required by the ECM to fire the injectors , it has no effect on the relay

VATS has 2 independent components
read
https://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system

 

I know, just showing both components the vats has control over are not functioning. Now I'm just waiting by my door for the mailman!

 

programming it out, in my opinion, would be much better than all the wiring involved in the bypasses that often fail.

 

as long as you solder and heat shrink the connections, doing the starter and fuel enable type bypass is no less reliable than the pcm itself

 

Did you try cleaning the contacts on the key. If the VATS doesn't read the correct resistance in the key it won't start.
I just unplugged mine from the ignition switch and soldered in an equal value resistor to the other end. It worked great, although I've since had it programed out after having it dyno tuned and had a new PROM burned.

 

Sorry for the delay, I got the module Saturday evening and had it in within 10 minutes. I turned the key and she started right up. I bypassed the starter relay by opening it up and modifying it so the relay is always closed (It only gets power when the ignition is on, so this should not be an issue). The security light remained on, then I disconnected the plug under the dash that leads to the key and the light turned off. I have a couple other things to work on, but the VATS issue is finally taken care of.