Ok Im looking at buying a 91 Firebird that was trmped to be stolen.. the would be thiefs smashed the steering column and the Ignition is gone.. I can get a used column from Pick and pull.. but most likly no key with it.. I know there a way to bypass the sercirty system.. but how? I did a search and really was overwelmed with all the junk.. Would the key from a used column work? or do I have to order a new kew and ignition switch??

 

theres a resistor you can solder between the key and ign.. try a search on "disable VATS"

 

ok.. but I don't know the key resistances because there is no keys to the car... So how do I bypass or replace the key without knowing the key resistances???

 

once again, the search if i recall, will reveal a list of 5 different volts or ohms or whatever, resistors you can try each one. resistors can be had for pennies.
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If you have the title, go to the chevy/gm dealership and they can pull up any and all information for you. If they don't want to, ask for the general manager, or the manager on duty. You are a customer, and you want your stuff taken care of, and you want it done NOW!

Now, with that being said... you can probably buy another ignition deal from them and a key to go with it, if they aren't dicks.

 

You can buy a lock cylinder with keys, and do the VATS bypass. The Dealer can tell you which of the resistances your car uses. Of course, they don't tell you the actual resistance... they give you the "key code"... Once you get that, post in electronics and ask... Trickster seems to be able to rattle the real resistances off like the ABC's if you give him the code Then, a trip to radioshack and 99 cents later and you're done

 

ok.. Does that mean I could get a replacement Key and Cyl from the dealer that would go into a New ( used ) steering colunm and work?? If so I'll do that instand of the bypass.. The VATS saved it once.. So why bypass it if I can get it fixed..

 

Yes. Call wherever you plan on going first, and ask what documentation to provide proof of ownership you will need ahead of time. Also be aware of the fact that they will provide you a key and cylinder based on GM's records. If anyone's ever messed with the vats system in your car, or the vats code was entered wrong in their system, it's your tough luck, not theirs.

i.e. don't complain about not getting a refund if it doesn't work.

 

it needs a key and cyl anyway.. So no big deal about no refund.. Just be messed up if it didnt work..

 

I have a cylinder and a VATS with key from a 1990 manual firebird LMK if your interested. Worked when pulled

 

It needs the correct vats key and cylinder. It's not the dealers responsibility to provide this info, it's done as a courtesy. Odds are it will be correct and work fine, but just don't rule out the possiblity.

On another note, if you have a local pick your part j/yard, you could pull a used column (with keys) and the vats box, and install both in your car and be good to go.

 

VATS Box.. this I havnt heard of.. what and where is it?

 

the vats box (on my A/C 89) is mounted to the vent... there are 2 screws that hold it in! In order to take this out, you have to take off the top dash pad, take out the vents some and unscrew it... GL seating the vents back in...

by vents, i mean the big Y vent, not the little deals that swivel... u know what i mean?

 

Now if VATS box has a ser # ( Or something like that ) Could a dealer use that to get a key and cyl with??

 

There is one part number for the vats box regardless of chip #. Personally, I would take my chances with GM's info at the dealership and get a new key and cylinder.

 

I plan on the new key and cyl..