VAT problems

I have an '87 vette that has vat problems (I think). The car just won't start, crank, anything. I tried locking/unlocking the doors but nothing. The security light doesn't flash anymore either. I tried one of those bypass systems but it did'nt work. Any suggestions? The starter was making a "grinding sound" for the last few weeks. (but would the starter/solenoid cause the flashing security light to not flash on the console?)

Could you just have a bad battery or bad battery cables ?

Could you just have a bad battery or bad battery cables ?no...everything else works...headlights...radio etc.

I also cranked the motor over by hand and charged the battery....still nothing!

If the starter has been on its way out, that could cause the no-start. If the VATS system is working normally, the lamp won't flash. Based upon that, it might just be the starter.

If the "S" terminal gets 12V when the ignition key is in the START position, and the starter doesn't operate, it's probably not the VATS.

If the "S" terminal does not have 12V with the key in the start position, it might be many things other than VATS, such as a loose or worn ignition switch linkage rod (common in tilt wheel installations), a failing ignition switch, failing contacts in the start enable relay, failing neutral/clutch safety switch, failing wiring or bulkhead connector, and probably some others I'm overlooking.

no...everything else works...headlights...radio etc.

It could STILL be the battery even if everything else works...

ok ...I'm not getting 12 volts at my starter solenoid "s" terminal with the ignition on...although I am getting 12 volts on the battery cable at the solenoid...where is the vats module and what does it look like? I found a module that looks like it...small silver square looking plug in... under the dash....also there is a small black box "module" under the hood on the drivers side fenderwell underneath the master cylinder...what is this? I checked out the clutch engage switch and it seems to be working properly......

well if this is your daily driver I hope you got it fixed by now, if not look for a vats bypass like these http://www.adaptiveperformance.com/vats.htm

thats the easy way to fix it, just bypass it, it's a real common issue

ok ...I'm not getting 12 volts at my starter solenoid "s" terminal with the ignition on...although I am getting 12 volts on the battery cable at the solenoid


might wanna double check that with someone holding the key in the START position rather than just on. getting 12V at the battery cable is good, but need to know the other. another thing to do(if no other help available) is take a jumper wire, hook one end to positive on battery and TOUCH other end to S terminal on starter. if starter spins over then start looking elsewhere.