VATS or Fuel Pump????
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: France
Car: Camaro RS 1992
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: TH700R4
VATS or Fuel Pump????
I have a problem for several months with my camaro...
The engine won't start, and I no fuel is arriving in the TBI
The stock pump is dead but still in the fuel tank. The previous owner put a new pump outside the fuel tank.
I don't hear the fuel pump when I switch on the car...
For me the new pump is dead too.
But my car is a 92 RS and can you tell me if it can be a VATS problem?
I read the trouble codes, and only 12 flashes.
The engine won't start, and I no fuel is arriving in the TBI

The stock pump is dead but still in the fuel tank. The previous owner put a new pump outside the fuel tank.
I don't hear the fuel pump when I switch on the car...
For me the new pump is dead too.
But my car is a 92 RS and can you tell me if it can be a VATS problem?
I read the trouble codes, and only 12 flashes.
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
I have a problem for several months with my camaro...
The engine won't start, and I no fuel is arriving in the TBI
The stock pump is dead but still in the fuel tank. The previous owner put a new pump outside the fuel tank.
I don't hear the fuel pump when I switch on the car...
For me the new pump is dead too.
But my car is a 92 RS and can you tell me if it can be a VATS problem?
I read the trouble codes, and only 12 flashes.

The engine won't start, and I no fuel is arriving in the TBI

The stock pump is dead but still in the fuel tank. The previous owner put a new pump outside the fuel tank.
I don't hear the fuel pump when I switch on the car...
For me the new pump is dead too.
But my car is a 92 RS and can you tell me if it can be a VATS problem?
I read the trouble codes, and only 12 flashes.

If you want to bypass your VATS, there are several "VATS bypass" modules available on ebay for under $30; however, this doesn't sound like VATS to me. Here is a link, there are tons of vids on youtube about bypassing the VATS key.
It sounds like either the relay or the fuel pump need to be replaced. I had a similar problem on my 350 TPI, and it was the fuel pump relay. I also had a similar problem on my LS1 swap, I thought it was the VATS, but it was the fuel pump ground. Hope this helps.
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
The fuel pump relay is bypassed automatically by the oil pressure switch, if the engine is cranked long enough to build oil pressure. This assumes that the wiring harness including fuses is in good condition, and only the relay itself has failed. It also assumes that the fuel pump will operate if provided with power and ground.
Better to find out FOR SURE if you have fuel pressure by connecting a gauge in-line with the TBI. There is no service port for convenient access, so testing fuel pressure is unreasonably difficult due to GM cost-cutting.
Better to find out FOR SURE if you have fuel pressure by connecting a gauge in-line with the TBI. There is no service port for convenient access, so testing fuel pressure is unreasonably difficult due to GM cost-cutting.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 14
From: Not in Kansas anymore
Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
It is not advised to suck fuel through a in-tank pump that is not working , can burn out the upstream pump
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: France
Car: Camaro RS 1992
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
Thanks for all your replies.
The switch on, there's no noise from the new fuel pump.
When i try to start the engine, i can see the securite light flashing. And when I stop to crank the engine, the vats light comes to off. There's no error code stored in the ECM. So for me the vats is OK.
The switch on, there's no noise from the new fuel pump.
When i try to start the engine, i can see the securite light flashing. And when I stop to crank the engine, the vats light comes to off. There's no error code stored in the ECM. So for me the vats is OK.
Last edited by wahoo; Sep 29, 2013 at 08:30 AM. Reason: correct error
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: stallings,n.c.
Car: 1989 camaro rs convertable
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 7.5"3.42 gears forth gen 2000 camar
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
some of the aftermarket pumps came with a inferior internal hose. i had to pull my tank because the hose burst.
Senior Member
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 823
Likes: 1
From: erlangen, Germany
Car: 1991 Z28 1LE
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
Thanks for all your replies.
The switch on, there's no noise from the new fuel pump.
When i try to start the engine, i can see the securite light flashing. And when I stop to crank the engine, the vats light comes to off. There's no error code stored in the ECM. So for me the vats is OK.
The switch on, there's no noise from the new fuel pump.
When i try to start the engine, i can see the securite light flashing. And when I stop to crank the engine, the vats light comes to off. There's no error code stored in the ECM. So for me the vats is OK.
VATs will not affect the fuel pump. I second what vetteoz said, probably the new fuel pump was over-burdened sucking through the original pump and burned itself out. Get a test light or multi meter and check that you're getting power at the pump both with the key on and also while cranking. If no power go back to the fuse and relay.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: France
Car: Camaro RS 1992
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: VATS or Fuel Pump????
For information, after testing, the external fuel pump is dead. RIP
Now I have to replace it only to move the car to his new home...
Now I have to replace it only to move the car to his new home...
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