Alright last week i just got done putting headman shorty headers on and a new rear end out of a 99 camaro SS (3.42) in my car. since than my car has been acting up. every time i get on it the check engine and security light keep flashing and it feels like it either boogs out for a second or it has a delayed shift, because the car kind of lets up and then jerks you back a little and takes off. for the first week i didn't have my O2 sensor in because i needed to drill and weld it into the header so i thought that was the problem but yesterday i got it put in at the bottom of the drivers side header right before it hooks up to the y-pipe and im still having these problems. any help would be great, Thanks Jay

 

Try to find out what code is being thrown. It is hard to say what could be the problem without knowing what the trouble code is. Also, your VATS could be acting up explaining the security light. You didn't damage any connections around your tranny did you?

 

Nope didnt touch anything by the tranny. not sure what VATS are so please explain. and how can i go about finding the trouble codes since i dont have the tools to hook up and find out what they are? THANKS

 

You can go to auto zone and they will scan the codes for you for free. Then report back. Vats is Vehicle Anti Theft System and will dissable the car if tampered with. If you have a faulty key the vats may be throwing a fit and shutting off the car.

 

went to auto zone and they said they can only do cars that are 96 and newer. any other places i can go to get it done?

 

Ah bologna! They can do it but it sounds like you dealt with a lazy employee. The scanners for our cars are so cheap. Heck you can buy one at auto zone for 20 bucks. You can also do it with a paper clip but I do not recomend that. You can also use windal but that would take a few days to rig everything up that you need. I would call around and see who can scan the codes for you without sharging you. Most dealers will charge.

 

Ok i just called an auto zone a little farther away and they said they can do it so ill post tomorrow what the trouble codes are. Thanks Jay

 

or you can use a paperclip and scan them yourself

 

Alright i went to a different auto zone today and they were goin to do it but they said they couldnt because my check engine light doesnt stay on it only comes on for about 30sec. and then turns off or it just keeps flickering on and off. he was saying i need a new chip for it but the only mods i have done are headers and an open element, so i didnt think i needed one yet. Any suggestions???

 

Wow I didn't think auto zone people were that bad. Then again if they were real auto motive techs they would be in a speed shop. You do not need a new chip or any of the other garbage they may have fed you. When a code is thrown it is stored until the ECM is re-set. So it is there even if the light is not on. They can still read it. I would just go ahead and use the paper clip method. There is a tech article on it that you will want to read. it is easy.

 

Yes, get a paper clip and pull the codes yourself, it is real simple to do. Jumper pin "A" & "B" of the ALDL and turn the key to the "ON" position with the engine off. The SES light will start to flash the codes. The first code will 12 and that is normal, the fans will also come on and that is normal. the code 12 will flash 3 times like this. FLASH....FLASH FLASH. Any other codes stored will flash 3 times after this. After all codes have flashed, the cycle will start over and continue until you pull the jumper out and turn the key off.

 

whats the tech article labeld as? sorry havin a little trouble finding it.

 

Just follow as trickster outlined for you. it says pretty much the same thing. The article may be in the FAQ part. I cannot really remember.

 

Read the post above your last one. It covers what is in that tech article.

 

ok thanks, one last question and then ill run out side and try the paper clip. where is the piece located where i have to connect A and B

 

Right under the steering column. It is right at Knee level if you were sitting down. You can't miss it.

 

Ok it was flashing 53

 

A code 53 is a rare one but here is what it is.

53. High voltage at battery OR
High voltage at exhaust gas recirculation valve OR
Voltage reference error OR
Problem at vehicle anti-theft system

I doubt it is EGR since 99.99999% of all GM cars will throw a code 32 for EGR before a 53. My geuss is the VATS although I am too unfamiliar with it to comment any further. Are you sure that was the only code. Just to varify after the code 12 you saw 5 flashes...pause... nd then 3 flashes?

 

yes it flashed the 12 code 3 times then 53 three times and then back to 12 3 times and i checked it over 4 times to make sure 53 was the only one.

 

Well I re-read your first post about the problem (I tend to forget) and I still suggest the VATS. That was my first thought in my origonal post when you said the security light flashed. Now that you have a code 53 it sorta narrows it down for you.

 

well i skimmed through the tech article really quick on VATS malfunction diagnoisis and bypass, so is that what i have to do is just bypass it or is there something else i have to do in order to fix this?

 

Honestly I have no idea. I am clueless when it comes to VATS. I only know the basics. Try a few searches and see what you come up with. If you get nothing, post a new thread in the general tech board explaing your symptoms and code 53.

 

ok, thanks a lot for all the help

 

I would check the two white wires coming down the steering column to see if they are possibly worn and causing the light to flicker. Also check the wires going to the starter enable relay under the left kick panel. These are wires relating to the VATS system.