I got my alarm installed on my car while it was in the shop getting repared since it was broken into. And they had to totaly redo the whole steering column, from like the dash all the way back, new everything including the ignition lock.
And when i got my keys, the first thing i noticed was that it didn't have the resistor on it. And i asked them why they disabled vats, and they told me that they had to because they couldn't find a column housing peice that would work with an 88 VATS. that the 88 VATS system was different the 89+ models, so needless to say VATS is bypassed, but the alarm is SUPPOSED to take the place of it. Now I know that a New alarm (Clifford Concept 200) alarm will probaly protect better then VATS, but you never know. especialy since VATS was the only thing which kept my car from getting stolen when it was broken into.

SO is there a difference in the VATS system from 88 to 89+??
Also, the piece that the ignition lock goes into, does it differ by whether or not you had the VATS ignition lock? in other words, can i put VATS back into my car??

 

I can't help but think that the VATS wasn't different every year. Sounds more like they didn't want to mess with it. The steering column for VATS cars (atleast by 91) only have two small (tiny) wires that go to the lock cylinder, I can't imagine 88 would be different.

Try searching the general tech board, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding the information you need.

 

Since VATS started in 89 for F-bodies, did someone retro-fit it in your car? It should be the same. I also think they were lazy.

 

Yup, VATS started on 89 from what I know.

 

no, VATS started in 88, i know this for a fact

 

The Pass-Key VATS system was standard equipment on the 1988 GTA Trans Ams. The system was not available on any other F-Body model in '88.

The GTA was the first F-Body model to have it after the system debuted on the Corvette and reduced thefts for that marque by some 30%.

The VATS system availability was expanded in 1989 to include the rest of the F-Body lineup.

 

I learn something new everyday.

 

Hmmmph. Since I'm into Camaros alot more, I didn't know the GTA got them in 88.

 

I have vats in my 1988 Formula?? I think its giving me a problem because i cant seem to start my car when i turn the key i get nothing,Is there a way to bypass the Vats to see if this is my problem???????.I dont understand why my car has the Vats in the first place?

 

Not all 88 GTAs had VATS. The earlier production units didn't.

 

Putting the Vats back in is probably a do-able deal. They just cut the wires and put a resistor in place of the circuit for the key. The alarm may have had a deal that required this though if there is an ignition disable. Replacing that ign. lock assy is not an easy task though.

 

Get your original column, it should all be there and it is technically yours. Then you need to re-run the wires down thru the column and you should be able to get a key cylendar from GM if yours is messed up.

As far as what is different, I think in 1989 they changed the wiring for the turn signal lever. 84-88 (I think) they had a wire that was routed through the column that attached at the base. In 1989 they changed this and had a quick disconnnect at the top of the column just behind the steering wheel for the cruise control plug.

So technically they are different.

However it would have been easier to take an 89 and cut and splice than to bypass the VATS. I guess 84-88 non Vats are probably most common however and what you ended up with.

With that the 88 GTA column should be a stand alone unit, being that its the only one with VATS.

89 column also should be a stand alone unit, as in 1990 they started using Air Bags.

hope that helps

John