I have put my camaro back together and I am using a different dash and the original steering column. When I try to start it all I get is the orange security light. Is the mismatch of dash and steering column causing this? Is the VATS module tuned for a specific key? Swapping the module to from the other dash would work but I dont even know where this module is so a little help on that would be great.
thx

 

If I understand things correctly, VATS is specific to the original car and key. In other words, if you replaced the computer with another one that has VATS, the resistance of the key must match the VATS program in the new computer. If you kept your original column and key and the original computer, I wouldn't think there would be any issues. The computer is on the passenger side just above the floorboard under the dash. It will be a silver box and will have a couple wiring harnesses hooked to it. It takes about 10 seconds to pop it out and unplug it. Pretty straight forward and the wires will only hook up one way.

 

you will not be able to gain access to the Vats module , it is too far under the dash against the firewall on the inside of the car. The proper way to disable vats is in the prom, but you can measure the resistance of your actual key and then look for the two small white wires under your dash (in an orange cover). After you locate those insert the proper resistor to match your key.https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...able-vats.html

 

That will only bypass the ignition part of your VATS, however, that may be your issue.

 

Vats has its own seperate computer/controller seperate from your car's ecm.

 

Where is the module and what does it look like? Does it connect to the 2 white wires? I will be able to change it if I can locate it. I have the original dash from the car the colum was in so getting the module that the key is for will not be a problem. This will be a race car with possiblly no door windows so I dont want to bypass the system for theft reasons. I want it to be right not bypassed.

FYI The ECM doesnt control the VATS.

 

then take it to the gm dealer.

 

ninetyone.... your no help. I can do anything to this car the GM dealer can do. If you cant tell me what the VATS module looks like or where it is then keep your comments to yourself.

The reason its not working is because the key for the column I'm using is different than the dash I'm using so all I would need to do is switch VTAS controllers and presto will work perfectly fine. Just need to know what it looks like so I can switch them. pictures of this are hard to find it seems. Would the 2 white wires connect to it?

 

Nevermind I figured it out. its in front of the ECMs white holder bracket on the passenger side. Ill switch it and post back to let everyone know if it worked.

Thx

 

Are you sure that is the VATS box? As far as i know the Vats controller is so difficult to get to that the whole dash has to be removed. It should be behind the center of the dash all the way against the firewall.

 

Yes u are correct it is way back there. Lucky for me i don't have the hvac stuff in the car so it was simple to swap. Car turns over now after swapping the vats module but I have no fuel so I'm checking that now. Thx everyone.