VATS >:O

Ok, i know we've covered a lot about the stupid VATS system before, but my situation is slightly different. (i think)
I had my '92 RS broken into a loong time ago, before i bought it. And ive never owned a key for it. So need a new key made with a chip for the damn security system.
Now, heres what i want to know...
Can i somehow override the stupid VATS (or whatever it is) so i dont have a security system at all, but will at least be able to start it?
Cuz right now, i just want to hear that V8 fire up for the first time :)

the only way i know to do this, is to take the VIN number to the dealership's parts counter. This is assuming it still has the factory Vats system. They should be able to tell you what code the system is, it is one of i think 15 possible codes.... wait im thinking older systems. ok, in your case, the vats learns key resistance. you will have to buy...

a new lock cylender and key blank - 60 bucks
new vats module for 92 camaro - ?
and new pellet key - 15 bucks

this is the easiest way to get the car started, and also happens to be the right way to do it. in some situations there are shortcuts, but in your case, i see this as the only way to go.

. wait im thinking older systems. ok, in your case, the vats learns key resistance. you will have to buy...


No, you had it right. VATS started in 89 (on F bodies) and up through the LT1's it was just a resistor chip on the key, one of 15 possible chips. The later ones were called "pass lock" and they "learned" the key.
He could try taking the VIN to GM and see what key code he was supposed to have. OR he could get 15 resistors of the proper values used in the keys and try them one by one across the wires to the ignition lock cylinder while manually actuating the ignition switch until he gets the one that will start the car.
The resistor values should be: 390 Ohms, 520 Ohms ,680 Ohms, 885 Ohms, 1.130k, 1.470k, 1.800k 2.370k, 3.010k, 3.740k,4.750k, 6.040k, 7.500k, 9.530k,11.800k.

You will be looking for the security light to go out when you get the right resistor. AND remember, you'll have to wait 5 minutes between each failed attempt.

well that way would work on the older systems, such as the one in my 89, however i thought that in 91 they got passkey, which learned the resistor value? did that system not come out till 93? ive gotta check my notes.

VATS's "correct" name is Passkey, it used the resistor chip in the key to enable the starter (through the VATS module and starter enable relay)
The later versions were called "passlock" and had no resistor in the key, they came about somewhere in the mid 90's (my 91 Formula has VATS, passkey)

man, ive been away from the forum to long, im slippin

Well at this point im simply not finding the time to run it for codes myself, so im sadly gonna hafta take it to the dealer and see whats up. Now ive just gotta get that system out without screwing it up even more.... lol

Well at this point im simply not finding the time to run it for codes myself, so im sadly gonna hafta take it to the dealer and see whats up. Now ive just gotta get that system out without screwing it up even more.... lol
Removing VATS isn't as simple as just taking out the ignition lock and VATs module. VATS is also programmed into your PROM (memcal..calpack..whichever you want to call it) and must be disabled there too.

And just how might i go about doing that??

O, same prob btw. :)

You disable it in the PROM by burning a new PROM and turning off the VATS flag.

in enlish plz :confused:
yea i know, im a noob

in enlish plz :confused:
yea i know, im a noob
Do a web search for Winbin and download & install it. Next search for ARAP and ECU file $6E. Down load these then run winbin and use ARAP for the .bin file and $6E for the ECU. Next click on the edit button, the first tab that comes up is "flags", click the down arrow and select "tranny type flags" there will be a check mark in the VATS box...click it to remove it. This is just an example, you'd need the proper .bin file for your car and the proper mask (ecu file).
To find your .bin file name look on your prom chip, it will have a silver sticker on it with some numbers and letters. Now look on the ECM got the tag that has your ECM service number on it. With those you can find what you are looking for on the net. Now you'll need a prom burner and a blank chip to burn the modded .bin file onto.

lol, im sure that was easier to understand ;)

basicly, unless you are good with electronics and have done your homework on burning chips, have someone do it for you, or better yet, just fix the system correctly, its cheaper, and in my opinion, a better idea ll together.

Yea, that sounds like me.. the electronics master...

Yea ill get someone else to do it. lol
Id just screw it over even more than it already is.
Right now i guess i just need a new lock cylinder so i can get a standard key made right? And then run it for resistance and get the right code. which shouldnt be that bad.
Speaking of which... is the steering column in a 92 Corcica (same year as my RS) the same as in mine? Cuz i made a quick run down to a Pick n Pull today and was looking for a few parts and thought maybe the columns were consistent in all the GMs. They looked pretty much the same in Cocicas and Berettas. So idk if its worth me looking into...?

as far as the steering colums, i have no idea

Anyone else?