Hi,

1992 Firebird 3.1 v6 auto.

I am currently experiencing a no-crank due to VATS lockout. Key on, security light on, everything powers on like it's about to start but starter won't engage. Security light remains on. I tried the relearn by leaving the key in the ignition until the security light turns off, however it never turned off despite numerous attempts all 15+ minutes of waiting. I have tried matching a resistor with correct resistance from the key to the VATS wiring from the ignition switch however this also did not work, and subsequent attempts at relearns did nothing.

Starter is fine, I believe. I haven't tested it however it had no issues prior to being suddenly completely unable to start the car. The security light remains on the dash and the light will not turn off if key is in on position, which is why I assume it's VATS giving me issues.

There used to be a remote-start wired into the car from the previous owner, however I never used it and removed it shortly after buying the car. I only removed the remote start box itself and did not dig into the wiring. I am unsure whether or not this is the root cause of my issue as it has been out for months and only now am I having issues with the VATS.

I am not very experienced at wiring. I'm thinking about several options moving forward and would like help/guidance. Once is doing a push-button starter to bypass vats. I have heard that on the 3.1 VATS does not cut fuel delivery if running. Is this true? I am also thinking about a VATS bypass module. These are more expensive, and I don't know if they would work with all my wiring already dug into. I know there are wires I can cut and bypass around the starter relay, however I believe these have been already tampered with from the aftermarket remote start system. I have low confidence in attempting a bypass this way, especially considering my low relevant wiring knowledge.

I could also be wrong and it might not be a VATS issue to begin with. Any help is appreciated. Thank you all!!

 

It’s hard to tell in the picture is there something connected to the white wires in the orange sheath at the Bottom of the column ? Have you tried jumping the starter enable relay? If it is that’s there are a few ways to take care of it. Most common failure is the key cylinder reader. Amazon has a hz modulator to bypass the passkey module or get it tuned out of your ecms chip.

 

I did successfully bypass the starter relay and now it will crank but not start. I'm sure VATS isn't allowing injectors/etc to work. Do you think a bypass module would still work then?

 

this would work, if you have a volt meter I can walk you through how to measure the hz signal to the ecm from the passkey module. But really sounds like you have a vats issue.