97 Cutlass VATS problem

[Don Leja]

I would like to make a bypass for the VATS sys. on my car but my keys do not have a chip in them. I gather that there was a type with the resistor on the ignition switch. How would I go about measuring the resistance without removing the switch? I am getting tired of waiting for the light to stop flashing before I can use the car.

[maxwedge]

How is the car starting, it must be already bypassed, no? You cannot figure the resistance the module is programmed to see without a Tech 2 scanner, or the key.

[Don Leja]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

How is the car starting, it must be already bypassed, no? You cannot figure the resistance the module is programmed to see without a Tech 2 scanner, or the key.

I bought the car cheap 2 years ago with the crank case filled with anti freeze but only 50,000 miles on it. It was to hard to do a compression test on the rear cylinders so I just took it apart and replaced the head and intake gaskets. The car starts and runs fine 99% of the time and I have since put 30,000 more miles on it. It is a good looking car and I like it. The problem has never happend to me but when my wife drives it she gets the anti theft light maby once a week and she drives me crazier than the car. I dont know if it has already been bypassed but I know the old guy I bought it from couldnt have done it and he has since died. The dealer would have had no reason to. The keys I have for it are not the original and I dont know why that is. But they are the same style as my 95 pontiac and dont look anything like the VATS keys with the resistor built in.

[brcidd]

That IS NOT a VATS (resistor in key) system, it is a PASSLOCK II system- (resistors in ignition switch) - bypassing Passlock II is a little different- I use a GMATII module ($7 of Ebay) when I do remote starters- but in your case, I would just wire it in permanently so that the BCM always get the proper resistances- have done this a few times on C/K trucks with Passlock II- works great- instructions are in the kit-- if it is still available- other wise just google search for Passlock II bypass. - or search this forum too. Or you can build your own with two relays and a potentiometer- or use fixed resistors- it's all in how you want to do it, and how handy you are with soldering etc...

Disclaimer- Bypassing a GM theft deterrent system will no longer provide vehicle theft deterrent-- but it will start evertime!!!

[Don Leja]

I'll check that out Thanks for the info.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by brcidd

That IS NOT a VATS (resistor in key) system, it is a PASSLOCK II system- (resistors in ignition switch) - bypassing Passlock II is a little different- I use a GMATII module ($7 of Ebay) when I do remote starters- but in your case, I would just wire it in permanently so that the BCM always get the proper resistances- have done this a few times on C/K trucks with Passlock II- works great- instructions are in the kit-- if it is still available- other wise just google search for Passlock II bypass. - or search this forum too. Or you can build your own with two relays and a potentiometer- or use fixed resistors- it's all in how you want to do it, and how handy you are with soldering etc...

Disclaimer- Bypassing a GM theft deterrent system will no longer provide vehicle theft deterrent-- but it will start evertime!!!

As we speak my 97 Cutlass sitting in the DWy has the oe Vats system, chip in key, how come?

[brcidd]

My remote starter info shows 97-99 as Passlock II..

[maxwedge]

I have a 98 W body Lumina next door to me and it has Vats system also. I found a site listing 94-99 as W body Vats years, then PK1. http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7erz1/id14.html

[brcidd]

Great- if there is a chip in the key- then cut the orange sheath and put a resistor across the two white wires that is equivalent to the chip resistance- there are only 14 resistances in GMs line-up for VATS. I thought the OP said he had no chip in his key....