Can anyone tell me if my vats system is bad because I was told that what my car is doing is because of a bad vats. Everything on car runs but it will not turn over. When I put the key in it the security light does not keep blinking. I also could not find the yellow wires coming from the steering column as listed in the vats bypass fix. Does anyone have any clue?

 

The light won't blink, it will stay on steady if the system detects a fault. Its not a yellow wire, its two very thin white wires inside an orange sheath.

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If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

The wires are pretty easy to spot at the base of the column because they have their own individual plug. Just look for a little two prong plug assembly with two fairly thin wires. The plug should be about in the same spot as the big plug for the rest of you column wiring. If you do the bypass, it will more than likely solve your problem since I'd place a pretty good wager that your problem is those thin wires have broken up at the key switch where they rotate every time you start the car.

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89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."

 

I did the bypass thing but it didn't seem to work. My light does not stay on when the key is turned to start. My resistance measured 679 so I bought a 680ohm resistor at a 1/2watt. Was that right? Could this be any other problem? Thanks. (going crazy!)

 

If you turn the key to run, and the light goes out after 2 seconds, then the VATS is probably OK. You may have a bad start inhibit relay, bad P/N switch, or even a bad starter. If you have a 12V test light, have somebody hold the key in the "start" position while you check for voltage at the starter (purple wire). If you have it, then its the starter, If you don't, then you need to check elsewhere.

The P/N switch is in the center console and the start inhibit relay is behind the drivers kick panel.

P.S. If you have a 5-speed, you don't have a P/N switch, but a clutch safety switch, located at the clutch pedal pivot area.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

Thanks GMTech. It was the P/N switch. Some how in the process of putting my console back together the harness came out and was pushed behind my radio with all the other wires. I plugged it in and the car started right up!

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<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1229597&a=9072781&p=29492901
" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1229597&a=9072781&p=29492901
</A> Harder"
Stock 305TBI,
Eibach Sportline Springs,
Koni Struts and Shocks,
SSPE lower control arms and Panhard bar,
Hellwig Rear Swaybar and Energy Suspension bushings.Aluminum Driveshaft

 

Cool.

Let me guess, my mentioning the "center console" rang a bell in your head.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
--&gt;14.97 @ 94.9 MPH&lt;--

'97 Bonneville SSE