Alright guys, I am totally fed up with the little security resistor on the ignition key. I have been stranded too many times trying to get my car started because of the little thing. How to I go about bypassing it or removing it all together. Thanks.
-Stephen-

 

Here's the way I plan on doing it when the time comes.

Search the boards for the 11 or so different resistance values.

Get a potentiometer that will sweep through those values.

Wire the pot to the VATS wires coming out of the ECM, Turn the ignition and hold it, turn the pot till the car starts and leave the pot there. Tuck it all under the dash.

 

Or.. get a multimeter, read the resistance of your key, and try to find a resistor of the same.. resistance. heh

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89 iroc-z 305 tbi
k&n filtercharger, open element air filter. nuffin' else

 

It won't work that easy. When the computer see's the wrong value it shuts down for 5 minuites even if the right key is inserted next. With a pot you are giving infinate number of values so it may take a long, long time. What happens if you turn just a little to much and pass the right value? You will never start!



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86 Camaro Sport
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John is right! A pot will NOT do the trick! Btw... it's 3 minutes :P

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92 Z28 5.7
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The pot will work, as long as he waits in between tries. My 89 GM shop manual says 2-4 minutes.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L

 

Forget the POT, and any other ideas. You have 2 choices.

1) have dealer put in new VATS lock cylinder.
2) Call Mid America Vette, and order a VATS bypass connector. $25. It will plug in right under the dash and bypass the lock cylinder.

2a) Or buy a 50 cent resistor of the proper value, and solder it in there at the connector under the dash. But that means cutting the wires, and then you'll likely never go back if you want the VATS working again.

I had my car towed home Fri. I got it started with a 50 cent resistor, and I then I ordered the bypass kit from Mid America Vette. Tomorrow I'm ordering a new lock cylinder, and new keys so VATS will be restored to OEM and protect my car from getting ripped off But I'll have the bypass kit in case it ever happens again.

 

No flames intended here, but those are not your ONLY 2 choices. Another option would be to reburn the PROM to delete the VATS info.

Stephen, look at the different options, look at your wallet, and make a choice you are comfortable with doing.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L

 

Yes you can reburn your prom, but VATS also controls a starter relay buried under the dash some where. So you would have to permently ground out the relay in addition to burning your prom.

and if you go that route, you'll likely never go back to OEM VATS. At least with the bypass connector, you can always go back if you decide you want VATS protecting your car again.

I became a VATS expert Fri & Sat Not that I wanted to, but I needed to after spending $80 on a tow truck. My plan is to buy a new lock cylinder and fix it to OEM.

 

Guys can you answer my question?I completly removed my computer and engine harness and went with an sftermarket computer.Will my car start uo normally or what?

 

Yes, it will work, but you will have to ground your starter relay. If you simply remove your driver side kickpanel, it's right behind it. Very simple to get to.

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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L

 

There is no delay if you simply insert the wrong key/resistor into the switch. Trust my. I do it absent mindedly often, with both my 91 and 98 Camaro keys on the same ring...

 

There is definately a 4 minute delay if you insert the wrong resistor value in VATS. Both your cars probably have the same VATS code . My 96 impala SS, and my Formula have the same VATS resistor. There is only 15 different values.

 

The reason you dont have a delay is that you are not actually turning the key to start the car when inserting the wrong one. Unless you have your cars keyed the same, but then you wouldnt have to switch keys, would you?


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1989 IROC-Z 5.7L