what year did it start? what exactly is it and what does it do? i tryed to search but my computer is messing up...

 

I'm drawing a blank on the start. I believe it started in 88 for Pontiac and 89 for Chevy? Someone will correct me.

It's a simple resistor added to the key. The resistor carries a specified value that is different between cars. The ignition system requires the resistor of the correct value to complete the circuit and allow the car to start. Without the resistor of with the wrong resistor, the car won't start. It stands for Vehicle Anti Theft System.

 

so i cant get keys made for my car?

 

With a valid VIN number and proof of ownership, the dealer will cut you new keys. They cost about $25 though.

 

ok thank you so they can cut you a key with the chip in it...thats impressive

 

Vats started in 88 for firebird but only in Gta's although not all Gta's got vats in 88.It started after production had begun.The early Gta's got dealer installed anti theft systems.Mine has a setup called Bulldog.

 

Starting in 1989 it was standard fare on all firebirds & Camaros. Interestingly since this was the last year without an airbag, and technically the first year for accross the board on the VATS 1989 is a lone year for the column, except for the GTA's equippped with it in 88.

John

 

So if you want to put in a real alarm system like a DEI VIPER how do you go about getting around the VATS or will it work along with the alarm system ? Thx

 

VATS is NOT an allarm system. VATS is a anti Theft device. Rather than squawking it disables the car.

It should work right along side you should do nothing to the VATS to install an alarm, its completely independant.

JOhn

 

Vats is an antitheft system but on my corvette it blows the horns as well as keep it from starting.I would guess it blows the horns on firebirds and cameros as well.

 

I think there are different levels to the system, for example there is the base VATS system which is just a basic ignition disable device. This was what I have on my 89 Firebird and I had on my 90 Riviera. My 95 Riviera however has the device you describe, if you open the doors incorrectly then the horn will blow and the lights flash. I think that was either a later addition, or it was not offered on all vehicles.

However I believe a seperate system, and it may disable the ignition when going off I do not believe that it is necessary to the VATS with the resistor in the key.

John

 

You may be right my corvette is the only example i've seen.Since the system wasn't ready when my gta was made they put a sticker on the owners manual saying all gta owners disregard all references to vats.Mine left the factory in september of 87.

 

Most professional locksmith's have the key blanks with the various resistence values. As long as you've got the original key to copy from it's usually cheaper then the dealer. If you don't have the key, a good locksmith should have a vats interrogator they can use to determine the value needed and they can make a key to fit the cylinder.

From what I've seen, the thirdgen vat's system just keeps the car from starting. On some of the later cars they have a security light in the dash that will light up if there's a problem.