Hi , posted a while back about getting a new key made for my 91 bird. I lost the keys on a ranch (huge one). I called the dealership and the nationwide service line, and they don't have the vats code for my car. The local key shop wants well over $200 to make a new key and disable vats. The local mechanic says he has dealt with this problem before, but he's taking too long to even look at my car (been 2 or 3 weeks). All the other "mechanics" are scared to touch it because they don't understand all this hi tech stuff (wires/resistors/relays). I'm starting to think I should just sell my car to the local junkyard for $45. I don't know what to do. I want to take the easiest/cheapest option. Could I just switch to carb? I figured if the computer wasn't controlling anything, I could just change the ignition cylinder and key....then start the car....right? My poor car hasn't been started since November. The dealership can make me a key, but they just don't know the value of the vats module on the key. Is there a way to just take them my computer and let the find out from there? Or take them the ignition cylinder and let them figure it out? Please help...I need my car so I can go to work. Thanks.

 

You should get some help in here but it may need to be moved again to the Electronics board or body and interior.

 

The code is stored in the VATS control module, not the computer. For the dealership to correct the problem, you would have to take the car to them so they could hook a piece of equipment called the interogator up and test each resistance (15 of them) until they find the right one. You could go to a junkyard and find a car with the VATS system and if the key was in the lock cylinder. Take it and the VATS control module and replace it in your car. Just a thought!!!!!!!!

 

That sounds good to me, but where can I find this VATS module? A friend of mine has a car with vats and a key. How do I get to the module? Thanks so much for that advice....you may have just saved my car.

 

The VATS control module is mounted behind the air vents on the fire wall at the center console. I will send you some info on it.

 

You have e-mail Gunz.

 

You can get a new key cyl. and key from a parts house for about $20, and it's very easy to bypass the vats system. That is, if you don't care whether or not you have it. I think there is a writeup on the main thirdgen page on how to disable the VATS.


If you want to retain the VATS, I'd follow trickster's advice and go looking in the boneyards for the module/key/cyl.

 

Thanks fellas, I think I'm gonna try the Module/Key/Cylinder swap. My friend has the same car in his boneyard. From what I read, that module can be found behind the AC control right?

 

Just in case here's the link on how to bypass it
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/vats.shtml

 

In my camaro, it's about half way between the AC controls and the ECM behind the dash. It's a little square box about 4"x4" if I remember right.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

 

here's a pic! It is actually under the vent on the drivers side. I think what you are talking about onebinky is the cruise control module. It is located under the dash on the passenger side 1/2 way between the A/C control and the ECM.

 

Hey guys I really cant find that Module. I've looked all over for it. What does it look like? What needs to be taken off in order to get to it? That picture is confusing, I don't recognize any of that in my car. I pulled off something that I thought was it, but I don't think it is....It's a 3X5 white box containing a circuit chip or whatever inside, it was located to the left side of the passenger side of the dash. I'm thinking that it can't be it. Someone please help. I've taken apart the bottom plate under steering wheel, the center panel for radio, the a/c control, and the passenger side (under part). Exactly where and what am I looking for. Thanks.

 

SELL YOUR CAR!!! THE TROUBLE IS NOT WORTH IT!

Ill give you the 45 bux for it but really you should be paying me to do you the favor!

 

That box is probably the VSS buffer, did it have a label with '4 OUT' on it?

Looking at the Trickster's pic to the right is the firewall. Yep, box is between the defrost duct and the firewall. Easiest way to get to it is to remove the windshield and come down from the top.

RBob.

 

 

I'm definately not taking the windshield off (because I wouldn't be able to get it back on without breaking something. I'm going to see if the dealership will try to help me out if I tow my car in. If not, I'm just going to pull the motor and tranny and put it in another firebird or camaro. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

Before you go to all that work, wouldn't it be simpler to just get a chip burned with vats disabled?? Then, with a regular lock cylinder and key, you're good to go?

 

Hello Gunz4life2,

I previously posted a picture showing the location of the VATS module. It was from a 89 camaro, although the location is basically the same. You may be confused by the lack of detail. Here is a picture from the GM parts catalog for a 91 firebird showing its location with a lot more detail. The part number is also included with it in the lower right hand corner. If you cannot see it when you look in there, it is because it is on the firewall under the vents and behind the center console air vent box. You don't have to pull the windshield to get to it. APRIL FOOL'S day is over and done with. Also notice, it is on the drivers side. not the passenger side.

 

Ah, but I didn't say that he had to pull the windshield out. Already having had to remove this box from a f-body I know what he is up against.

RBob.