Vehicle Anti Theft Modules?

Hey folks, last weekend I encountered a problem. Got in the car after going into the bank and when I got back in my security light began to flash and when I started the car it shut off in 3 seconds. I had to get it towed to the shop as I couldn't get it to stay running. The shop originally did a relearn procedure on the car which didn't work. They then looked deeper into the problem and said my VAT (vehicle anti theft) module was toast. I was then told it was a $500 part :runaround: I asked if there was anything else that could be done and he said he could disconnect it. I said do it!!! so he said it was in the steering colum and it would only take a few minutes to do. I got the car back and its working fine now...

Thats my story and now my questions..

I searched the forum and didn't find anything specific about this VAT module. Is it really a part on the car??? Does it cost as much as the shop said??? and with it being unhooked should I be worried???

2002 GT 194000kms

Thanks

I am no car expert but.... I have a 97 Grand Prix GT and my car did basically the same thing and wouldn't start. This happened twice, both times when I had the battery tested by Autozone when they hooked that portable machine up to my car. I ended up going under the hood and pulling out one of the big fuses (I think it was the first one) and putting it back in after a minute. This worked, it must like reset it or something.

I stumbled one this by accident. I could tell that it was the fuse under the hood because when I pulled it the little red security light on top of the dash would stop blinking.

The second time it happened I had a friend pull the fuse and put it back exactly the same time I tried to start the car.

Do you have PK3 stamped into your key shank?

Is your ignition switch on the column or on the dash?

Your tech may have just bypassed it..it is a rather complicated system..unplugging it would not work- disabling (by bypassing it) it may be what he did.

:confused:

Since this is a 2002 model it is assumed he has Passkey III. GM starting using PK3 in 1999 and up Grand Prixs. And the ignition switch has always been located at the steering column last time I checked. :grinyes:

Do you have PK3 stamped into your key shank?

Is your ignition switch on the column or on the dash?

Your tech may have just bypassed it..it is a rather complicated system..unplugging it would not work- disabling (by bypassing it) it may be what he did.

Yes, PK3 is stamped on the key, the ignition is in the column. As for what he did exactly I don't know. He said he dissconected it somewhere down inside on the right side of the column. My red blinky light on the top of the dash board by the winshield still blinks on and off as usual. I'm not sure if it is connected to the VAT module or if it is totally separate. Thought I would add that for further info for you all.

The VATS which is PK3 and the content anti-theft are actually two different theft deterrent features. The blinking LED on the dash is part of the content alarm system. It must be the PK3 transponder receiver which is technically part of the ignition switch.

Is the security indicator (the word "security") on steady or flashing..

but I believe it is in the fail-enable mode, since the security light continues to blink- the next time you change your car battery it may go into the complete fail mode.

Most people look forward to bypassing or permanently disabling the PK3 system. However, he has the content anti-theft system as a backup security system so it is really no big deal versus the cost of getting it properly diagnosed with a GM Tech 2 scan tool at the dealership and parts.

Actually he did not state the SECURITY light at the IP Cluster was blinking after the fix was applied. The blinking light he referred to in his later post was referring to the content anti-theft feature which I explained earlier and clarified is separate from the VATS Passkey 3. The PK3 is a passive security system and the content anti-theft is an active. However, when activated either one will ultimately disable the fuel injectors so you will get a no start condition.

So, by the sounds of it I don't have any worries with the system being disabled as I still have security on the car with the content security system. Thats a relief.

I do have another question now after thinking about this for a bit...

Will a VAT module from another prix work if I found one at an auto wreckers?? Off the top of my I think I would have to do a relearn procedure if I got one??

Will a VAT module from another prix work if I found one at an auto wreckers?? Off the top of my I think I would have to do a relearn procedure if I got one??

Good question. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't. According to the FSM the VTD module (theft deterrent control module) would need to be setup using a GM Tech 2 scan tool but that is if it is a new replacement from GM parts. It doesn't say much about setting up a used or pull from another similar Grand Prix with Passkey 3. The bottom line is the PCM module must learn the new fuel continue password when you replace the theft deterrent control module or there will be no enable for the fuel injectors.

If you need or would like to review the VTD setup procedure and PK3 key relearn just let me know and I will PM it to you.

Thanks for all the info everyone. If I do get a used one I will post for the VTD setup procedure and PK3 key relearn.

Hi All - If you are having problems with your Grand Prix starting, running for a few seconds and stopping, chances are the ground wire coming off the neg batt cable is corroded at the frame. I cleaned the ground at the frame, and whalla - fixed. I on and off had this problem for over a year, had two Pontiac mechanics look at it with no clue as to what was wrong with the car. Whhooo Whooo! :cool:

Maybe you can trigger the SRS in there face, if stolen.

2001 grand prix gt. Security light was blinking and my car wouldnt start. With my original keys I couldn't reset the security cause my keys were worn out. I purchased a new key for $40 plus tax. I went home and put it in my ignition and it reset the security with in a couple minutes and started right up.